Indonesia - Raja Ampat Islands

"The Raja Ampat Islands, situated near the Northwest coast of Papua, consists of about 1,500 islands, including several large, mountainous islands, the largest being Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool. The land and surrounding sea occupy approximately 46,000 km2 or about 4.6 million ha. The islands are located in a region on the western boarder of the equatorial Pacific Ocean and at the Northeastern ‘entrance’ of the Indonesian Throughflow from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. The vast majority of the archipelago rests on the Sahul shelf. The wide distribution of small islands across the shelf edge creates a strong gradient from clear water, open oceanic conditions to sheltered and turbid bays, surrounded by krast limestone formations. Raja Ampat was declared as a new regency or district on 8 May 2003 and consists of 10 sub-districts with a total of 85 villages spread out in over approximately 6% of the islands in the regency. The census in 2001 showed that total population in Raja Ampat was 47,771 with an average increase rate of 0.32%" 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1

Postcard 2
Friwen Island, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia. Underwater view. Thanks to Noriana of Indonesia.

Indonesia - Tana Toraja Traditional Settlement

"Tana Toraja Traditional Settlement is a series of 10 traditional settlements or constituents of them, such as burial or ceremonial grounds. The properties are scattered within Tana Toraja Regency in the Province of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Tana-Toraja occupies about 3.205 km2 of a relatively hilly terrain with plateaus rising from 300 to 2,800 meters above sea level.

The nominated Tana Toraja Traditional Settlement consists of 10 sites which are dispersed in the Tana Toraja Regency (see part I). Traditionally, a Toraja settlement consists of a compound of houses (tongkonan) and granaries (alangs), burials (liang), ceremonial grounds with menhirs (rante), rice-fields, bamboo forests, and grazing ground or pasture for buffalo and pigs. However, not all the nominated sites possess all the settlement components, on account of developmental changes in each site. A brief description of the nominated sites is provided in part I Identification of the Property. The following descriptions present some complementary information about each site.

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
My first postcard sent from Sulawesi (formerly called Celebes) - one of the largest islands in Indonesia after Kalimantan, Sumatra, Java and Irian Jaya.
A typical Toraja traditional rooftops. Nice stamps used. Postcard took more than 3 weeks to arrive. Thanks to Feejin who was visiting Sulawesi.

Postcard 2
Traditional Tana Toraja ancestral buildings with its typical architectural roof. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France. Received in April 29, 2024.

Indonesia - Kebun Raya Bogor

"Bogor Botanic Gardens is one of the plant conservation areas that became important evidence in the historical development of science in Indonesia. There are more than 24 research institutions on natural sciences directly and directly established by Bogor Botanic Gardens located in Buitenzorg/Bogor. In the beginning the establishment of Bogor Botanic Gardens was intended as a place of acclimatization of plant species originating from foreign countries that have high economic value. Now, Bogor Botanic Gardens not only conserve the types of economic value, but also conserve the species of plants that are rare, endemic, scientific value and have the potential to be developed from the entire tropics. Collection of plants arranged in the form of blocks and grouped by taxonomic and thematic classification pattern."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Kebun Raya Bogor. Giant Amorphophallus flower in Bogor Botanical Garden, Java. Flower has a corpse small called "Bunga Bangkai" or corpse flower in Indonesian. It is found n Bengkulu and planted in Bogor by an Englishman. Thanks to Mejestha of Indonesia.

Indonesia - Kota Lama Semarang

"Semarang is a colonial city par exellence. Established in 17th century, Kota Lama Semarang is a best preserved colonial city with remarkable testimony of important historical phases of human civilization - in economic, political and social - in the South East Asia and the World. Although it is today a sprawling metropolis of 1.2 million inhabitants, it’s old centre retains a group of buildings with various architectural styles coming from medieval, baroque and modern style. It’s unique urban landscape shows a development of a fortified city which is growing in to an international and cosmopolitan port city in it’s age. There fore it is worth to preserve Kota Lama Semarang, especilly from today’s thread: extensive flooding and land subsidence..."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List


Postcard 1A - Gereja Blenduk
Gereja Blenduk - mailed from Semarang. Thanks to Shinta of Semarang, Java, Indonesia.

Postcard 1B - Different view of Gereja Blenduk

Gereja Blenduk (Immanuel Church) is the heart of Kota Lama - Old Town of Semarang. This postcard is from Semarang Postcard booklet by Pos Indonesia - thenks to Shinta of Semarang, Java, Indonesia.

Postcard 2

Stasium Tawang - Railway Station Tawang of Semarang. A song is played by piano every time a train arrives - what a wonderful tradition.

Postcard 3

Pos Kantor Semarang - Semarang Post Office.

Indonesia - The Old Town of Jakarta (Formerly old Batavia) and 4 Outlying Islands (Onrust, Kelor, Cipir dan Bidadari)

"Located at the mouth of the Ciliwung River in Java , the Old Town of Jakarta was established by the VOC in 1619. Its 17th century town plan was completed in 1650. In 17th and 18th century VOC had largest volume of trade in the world, governed from Batavia. No colonial town built by VOC matched the grandeur and completeness (military, civil engineering, and urban elements) of Dutch town planning & architecture of Batavia..."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Stadhuis is the Old City Hall of Batavia and is now the Fatahillah Museum also known as Jakarta History Museum is located at Sunda Kelpa old port in historic Jakarta. Thanks to Shinta who creating this maxicard and mailed using two other museum stamps. Terima kasih.

Indonesia - Muarajambi Temple Compound

"The Muarajambi Temple Compound Site is located in the Muarajambi Village, in the District of Maro Sebo, Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi Province. From Jambi city, the site is less than 40 kilo-meters and can be reached by land transportation or through the river in one hour. The site is spread along 7.5 kilo-meters of the riverbanks of Batanghari River in which old canals or man-made rivers are positioned to connect the Batanghari River with the site. Through these ancient canals that circulate the site, people could reach the temple compounds. In the Muarajambi Temple Compound Site that covers an area of 2062 hectares, there were at least 82 ruins of ancient buildings made of brick construction. Seven of these ancient temples have been given intensive conservation treatment; meanwhile the remaining structures are covered with primary and secondary vegetation, and surrounded by the local community plantation of Sumatran endemic plants (planted by the local people known as Menapo). The seven temple compounds are the Gumpung, Tinggi I, Tinggi II, Kembar Batu, Astano, Gedong I and Gedong II, and the Kedaton Temple. In addition to that conservation treatment, several of the ancient canals and the old ponds that were previously covered with water vegetation have been cleared and are now restored to normal, such as the ancient canals in Jambi River and the Telago Rajo Pond. Based on archaeology research and historical sources, the Muarajambi Temple Compound Site was once the centre for worship and education of the Buddhist religion in the period of the Ancient Malay Kingdom in the 7th - 14th century AD."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Muarajambi Temple, a historic Buddhist temple complex in Jambi Province. Thanks to Shinta of Indonesia.

Indonesia - Gunongan Historical Park

"Gunongan Historical Park is located in the Aceh Province of Sumatra, Indonesia. Possibly built by Iskandar Muda, the grounds of the historical park contain a 17th Century palace, garden, and white circular structure whose purpose is unknown, the Gunongan, after which the park has been named."

Source: UNESCO WOrld Heritage Tentative List

Multi-view of Gunongan Historical Park, Aceh. Thanks to Shinta of Indonesia.

Indonesia - Taka Bonerate National Park

"The Bonerate National Park is home to the third biggest atoll in the world after Kwajifein in the Marshall Isles and Suvadiva in the Moldiva Isles. The total area of the atoll is about 220,000 hectares with coral reefs spreading over 500km2. The national park includes an area of 530,765 ha. Taka Bonerate is a Bugis’s name that somewhat has a meaning ‘Coral Piled Up On Sand’. There are 15 islands in taka Bonerate National Park where visitors can enjoy diving, snorkelling and marine tours."
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Tanaka Bonerate National Park, Indonesia mailed a matching turtle stamp and a turtle-shaped miniature stamp and special First Day Cover cancellation. Thanks so much to Shinta of Indonesia.

Indonesia - Muara Takus Compound Site

"Muara Takus Site is administratively under the Muara Takus Village, in the District of Koto Kampar XIII, Kampar Regency, Riau Province. The Kampar Kanan River divides Muara Takus into two regions. The Kampar Kanan River flowing northward forms a parabolic river bend. In the eastern side of the Kampar Kanan River,there is a small river which is known by the local people as the Umpamo or Limpamo River. The headwaters of this small river is located in the swamp areas in the southeast of Muara Takus and this small river ends in the Kampar Kanan River. The estuary of the Umpamo or Limpamo River is situated exactly at the northernmost curve of the Kampar Kanan River. In the past, a human settlement was situated at the inner side and northern side of the river bend, but more specifically in the eastern side of the river...."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Muara Takus Temple in Kampar, Riau. Thanks to Victoria of Malaysia.

Indonesia - Bawomataluo Site

"The Bawomataluo settlement is located in the Bawomataluo Village, under the District of Teluk Dalam, in the South Nias Regency. The area covers ± 5 Hectares with an altitude of 270 meters above sea level. This kampong is situated on the heights of the hills and is relatively safe from any tsunami threats, despite having a distance of only 4 kilometers from the seashore. To enter this housing complex, one must go through a concrete stairway that resembles a terraced gravesite with 7 steps in the first section and 70 steps in the second part. The houses face each other with a distance of 4 meters apart and in the middle of the complex, there is a stone arrangement that is placed in an open space used for ceremonial customs and rituals. In between these traditional houses, newly built houses have been erected facing each other in a straight line from the northwest to the northeast. In the middle of the complex, there is a row of houses parallel towards the southeast. Inside the complex, there are 500 houses with a population of 7,000 that consists of 500 household heads. The Chief's or the King's house is located in the South West side and is the largest in the complex. Based on the genealogy/family tree of the community, it is stated that the designer of the houses was King Laowo as the founder of the Kingdom of this region and are descendants of the Gomo family. Later on, the construction of the house was finalized by Saonigeho (Siliwu Gere) who was also the first generation of the Laowo family. Currently, the house is occupied by the heirs from the fourth generation of the Laowo family. The house is estimated to have been built in 18th century."
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Stone Jumping in Bawomataluo in Nias island, 125km off Sumatra's western coast. I bought this postcard in Medan, Sumatra.

Indonesia - Wakatobi National Park

"Wakatobi National Park has very high marine resource potential, in terms of both species and uniqueness, with enchanting submarine landscapes. In terms of configuration, the marine waters of the park generally start flat and then slope seawards, with sheer precipices in some parts. The water depth varies, the deepest parts reaching 1,044 metres with sand and coral at the bottom. This Park has 25 chains of coral reefs, and the total circumference of the coral islands is 600 km. The National Park includes an area of 1,390,000 hectares." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Wakatobi National Park is an acronym of 4 islands - Wangi Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko in Sulawesi (formerly Celebes Island). Thanks to Shinta of Indonesia.

Indonesia - Trowulan - Former Capital City of Majapahit Kingdom

"The Trowulan site is the only city site of the Hindu-Budha classical age in Indonesia that can still be found. The site covers an area of 11 km x 9 km, which includes the Districts of Trowulan and Sooko within the Regency of Mojokerto and the Districts of Mojoagung and Mojowarno under the Jombang Regency. The site of the former capital city of the Majapahit Kingdom was built on flat terrains at the foot of three mountains, namely the Penanggungan, Welirang, and Anjasmara Mountain. Geographically, the Trowulan area was suitable for human settlement since it was supported by plane topography with relatively shallow ground water. Hundreds of thousands of archaeological remnants of the old city in the Trowulan Site were found buried underground as well as on the surface in the form of: artifacts, eco-facts, and features..." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Trowulan Temple, Indonesia. Nice stamps used. Thanks to Shinta of Indonesia.

Indonesia - Derawan Islands

"Stretching over 100 miles along the coast of East Kalimantan, the Derawan island chain is one of the most biologically rich areas in all of Indonesia. Here, water from the Berau river mixing with the Sulawesi Sea created a unique seascape characterized by a broad river delta leading to a scattered groupings of patch reefs, fringing reefs, and atolls". 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Derawan Island, a diving paradise in East Kalimantan of Borneo Island, Indonesia. Thanks to Shinta of Indonesia.

Indonesia - Bunaken National Park, Sulawesi

"This part of North Sulawesi was undergone multiple geologic stages. It is considered to be a ‘young’ continent of 5-24 million years of age which has undergone explosive volcanism more recently (1.5 to 5 million years ago) which resulted in the volcanic tuff that characterizes the existing topography. Manado Tua is an inactive volcano formed in a classical cone shape with a 27-45' slope. The island rises over 600 m above sea level, the highest elevation in the park. Bunaken Island has volcanic origins with a significant amount of uplifted fossil coral. At the west and central part of Bunaken Island (71m high) there is a flat plateau about 5Om above mean sea level (msl). Nain Island is also a dome-shaped island, 139m in height and with a slope of 20-40". Mantehage Island is relatively flat and seems to be sinking into the sea. The island has extensive mangrove forest flats, partially separated by saltwater channels. Siladen is a low-lying coral sand island with no significant topography. Arakan-Wawontulap and Molas-Wori on the mainland of North Sulawesi are relatively flat areas at the base of volcanic hills. The park has unique bathymetry which is an attraction for divers."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List Wow..what colorful and beautiful postcard of Bunaken National Park and marine and freshwater fish stamps used. Postmarked September 17, 2010 and arrived in Penang on September 28, 2010. Thanks to Shinta of Indonesia. Terima kasih.

Indonesia - The Historic and Marine Landscape of the Banda Islands

"The Banda Islands are an outstanding example of a cultural landscape, in which natural and cultural elements are intertwined. These two elements are inseparable, as the geography and climate (the natural parts) made the cultivation of the nutmeg possible, which resulted in the cultural development of the islands as a significant center of colonial trade and history. Adding this cultural marine landscape as a mixed site to the World Heritage List will diversify the List, as this category is now heavily under-represented (1,007 properties listed with only 31 mixed sites). The Spice Islands are indeed an outstanding example of the earliest conquests in colonial history, exhibiting not only remnants of the European occupation, but also the unique natural marine environment that attracted the exploitation of the land. The past colonial conquests of the Europeans have completely changed our world today, and not only did this history start here in the Banda Islands, but also much of the required capital to explore the rest of the world was earned here. Therefore, the historic remnants on the Banda islands represent the very threshold of colonial domination in world history. Lastly, the marine environment of the Banda islands is not only unique because it provided the special circumstances for the growth of nutmeg, but also because it supports underwater marine life of exceptional biodiversity as well. The Banda Islands marine environment is an outstanding and thriving example of a coral reef environment that creates a unique habitat for marine biota to live, grow and reproduce. Moreover, after part of the Banda coral reef was completely destroyed after Mt. Gurung Api’s eruption in 1988, in a few years the coral rapidly grew back and currently thrives, a unique happening since in other reef locations around the world, the coral does not grow back at after the eruption of a volcano all."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List


Postcard 1
Gunung Api of Banda Island. Thanks to Shinta of Indonesia.

Postcard 2

Boat festival in Banda Neira, Banda Islands.