Indonesia reviews culture ties with India by releasing Ramayana themed stamp

Jakarta, April 24: Indonesia on Tuesday released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with India. The stamp, designed by renowned Indonesian sculptor Padmashri Bapak Nyoman Nuart, features a scene from Hindu epic Ramayana in which Jatayu valiantly fought to save Sita.

 

"As agreed during Prime Minister's visit in May 2018, the Department of Posts of the Government of Indonesia released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana to mark the event," a statement of Indian Embassy in Jakarta said.

The stamp, symbolising the resolve of two peoples in the face of adversity will be on display at the Philately Museum in Jakarta, the statement said.

India' Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Indonesia's Deputy Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir jointly presided over the inaugural event organised here on Tuesday to flag off the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Rawat underscored the significant strides that both nations had made in their bilateral relations in the last 70 years with a high point being the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2018 during the milestone visit of Prime Minister Modi.

 

The event also showcased a special photo exhibit chronicling some of the landmark moments in the diplomatic engagements that have characterised India-Indonesia bilateral ties from 1949-2019.

"It showcased key milestones in the development of bilateral relations beginning from President Soekarno's participation as Chief Guest at India's first Republic Day. Some of the memorable moments during the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Indonesia were an important highlight of the photo exhibition," the statement put out by the Indian Embassy said.

The photo exhibit will be put on display at the National Museum at Jakarta from 25th April to 5th May 2019 for public viewing," it added.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to Indonesia in May 2018, he and President Joko Widodo jointly unveiled the logo for the 70th anniversary at the National Museum (MONAS) in Jakarta.

An Indian cultural troupe performed a cultural dance performance to mark the occasion and regaled the audience with Indian folk songs.