RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The ‘Museum Prangko’ or Stamp Museum at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is a fascinating place to learn about the history of stamps. It houses thousands of stamps from various parts of the world.

Cited from the TMII website, the idea to build this museum was initiated by First Lady Tien Soeharto in June 1981, and it was officially inaugurated by Indonesian President Soeharto in September 1983. The First Lady was inspired after visiting a stamp exhibition in Cibubur.

The museum building features beautiful architecture that blends Balinese and Javanese styles. In the front courtyard stands a statue of a dove carrying a letter. This statue symbolizes the noble mission of Pos Indonesia.

Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by an iconic statue of Hanoman. In ‘wayang’ or puppet tales, Hanoman is known as a messenger. Visitors can also view historical paintings depicting how people sent mail in days gone by.

The museum has seven exhibition halls, each with a different theme. One of them displays a photograph of the world’s first postage stamp, known as The Penny Black, according to the Indonesian Museum’s website. This unique stamp was issued in England in 1840.

Another room showcases the stamp printing process, which began in 1945. There is also a collection of thematic stamps featuring sports, scouting, flora, and fauna. All of the collections are neatly arranged to educate visitors.

In addition to teaching history, this museum introduces visitors to the world of philately, which is the hobby of collecting stamps. Philately offers many benefits for a child's development, such as fostering attention to detail and enhancing general knowledge.