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Indonesia, China launch special stamps celebrating 70 years of ties
Jakarta and Beijing celebrate the seventh decade of diplomatic relations on April 13.
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A special postcard featuring a Balinese barong and Chinese barongsai produced in celebration of 70 years of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and China. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Indonesia/Handout)
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ndonesia and China have jointly launched special designs for stamps and covers in celebration of the seventh decade of diplomatic relations between the two Asian countries.
The special designs were launched online on Monday by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing and PT Pos Indonesia in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta and China Post.
One of the stamps features the logo of the 70th anniversary with the illustration of a golden panda, China's national symbol, and the Garuda, the national emblem of Indonesia.
The three other stamps showcase culture and historical landmarks of the two countries, including one with a Balinese barong and Chinese barongsai (lion dance) as well as others featuring Indonesia's Borobudur temple and the Great Wall of China.
The logo of a golden Garuda embodies the values of strength and glory, while the golden panda embodies peace, according to a press release from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Balinese barong and barongsai embody the richness of Indonesian and Chinese civilization and the close cultural influence between the two nations.
"The incorporation of these symbols represents a close friendship between citizens of the two [nations], which has contributed positively to the world’s peace and prosperity," the statement read.
The ministry noted that the Indonesia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, based on the two nations' "historical relations that date back hundreds of years", has brought about concrete achievements for the progress and national development of each country.
China is Indonesia's largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at US$72.6 billion in 2018. The East Asian economic giant is also the third-largest foreign investor in the archipelago, with total investments having reached a value of $2.3 billion in 2018.
An increase in people-to-people exchanges has also marked closer ties between Indonesia and China, the statement said.
According to the ministry, the celebration of the 70 years of diplomatic ties is to be enlivened by numerous events scheduled throughout this year, both in Indonesia and China, which will "uphold the spirit of friendship, synergy and collaboration to welcome stronger bilateral cooperation in various sectors."
