Lighthouse is a tower building used as a tool aiding navigation for ships entering the harbor. At the top of this building, a lighting system is operated from a fire at the old times or lamps and lenses at nowadays. The recent advancement of ships navigation technology has declined the number of lighthouse in the world. Today, lighthouses are usually operated to mark dangerous coastline, such as rocky and shallow coast. The oldest lighthouses that still be operated in Indonesia are at Cikoneng and Semarang.

Cikoneng lighthouse or so called Anyer  Lighthouse is located seaward about 150 km west of Jakarta. Approaching the famous tourism Carita Beach in the Province of Banten, the lighthouse can be found at the right side of the road. Built by the Dutch during the colonial era in 1885, it was 77 years since Governor General Dandles entered Java for the first time. The 60 m white painted steel chub tower concludes 18 stories and a long ladder of 300 steps which can be entered upon permission of the guard.

A splendid panoramic view can be observed from the top story. The thick and strong iron shield enforces the tower to remain long. This lighthouse experienced several eras in the history of Indonesia icluding colonial war era and a major earthquake of the famous Mount of Krakatu. The lighthouse is still property operated to serve safety for seamen who sailing through Sunda Strait. Its 20 nautical miles range of lantern provides sufficient signal to anybody who needs direction during sailing in the night.

Semarng lighthouse is located at the Tanjung Emas Harbor of Semarang, capital city of Central Java Province. This lighthouse plays  significant role to guide marine traffic entering the harbor since it was built in 1879. Its international ID is k.1132, and listed as DSI. 3200 in the Indonesian List of Lights. The 32 meters with 12 sided cast iron tower was built during the Dutch colonial era to facilitate the movement of V.O.C. vessels.

From the top of the tower, absolutely we can see almost the entire part of the Tanjung Emas Harbor area surrounded by older Dutch colonial buildings. The 20 nautical mile luminance range of revolving light provides sufficient  signal in group flashing to guide mariners bearing their vessel entering the port.       

TECHNICAL DETAIL

STAMPS

Classification of issuance : Special Stamps

Product code        : 071110

Issue Date            : 17 August 2007

Design & Denomination : 1/2 Semarang Lighthouse  Rp 1.500,00

                                       2/2 Cikoneng Lighthouse Rp 1,500.00

Size                      : 25.31 mm x 41.06 mm 

Perforations          : 13.50 x 12.75

Sheet composition : 20 pieces  (5x4)

Price per-Sheet     : Rp 30,000.00 

Colors                  : 5 colours 

Paper                    : Tullis Russel

Gum                      : PVA

Printing Process     : Offset

Printing quantity     : 100,000 sets

Designer                : Insight   

Printer                   : Perum Peruri  

FIRST DAY COVER (FDC) 

Product code     : 072110

Price                  : Rp 5,000.00

Printing quantity : 5,000 pcs

Designer           : Tata Sugiarta

Stamp Sales Period : 17 August 2007- 31 Desember 2010

Period of Validity For Postage : 17 August 2007 - 31 December 2012

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21/08/2007