American anthropologist, Clifford Geertz, in his book titled "Negara teater" (Theatre country) said that in Indonesia there was a hundreds of  kingdoms. To bring up the ancient kingdom theme for stamp issue, it doesn't means to bring back a feodalism in to society. History is like a mirror. The message is, there isn't  single and constant nation. With the history background, Indonesian people more realize that unity in "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" philosophy and frame of Republic of Indonesia as a requirement to achieve all Indonesia people hope.

This country stands by a big effort and sacrifice from some king or Sultan that admit to join with the Republic. Eventhough they will lose their special right and privilege. Whatever, the era is changed but the custom tradition, art and culture must continue. In modern and democratic era, king or sultan function as custom and tradition organizer put an important part.

From many kingdoms that ever stand in Indonesian Archipelago, Islamic Kingdom or sulatanate is take as an object of stamp design. We have taken four sultans to represent a whole archipelago. Short history about the Sultanate present as follows:

SULTAN MA'MOEN AL RASYID PERKASA ALAMSYAH

Sultan Ma'moen Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah is the 9th Sultan Deli that ruled from 1873-1924. At this era, sultanate of Deli gains a glory and properity. Many concessions contract land open widely up o 250.000 Ha. This project make a lot of incomes for build a Maimoon Palace in 1888 and great Mosque of Al Mashun in 1907 and also Mahkamah Parapatan office. 

Famous architect Kapten TH Van Erp has chosen by Sultan Ma'moen Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah to design both these buildings. The palace finished in 18 May 1891, at the same time the move the center of government from downstream of Deli River to Medan. Sultan Ma'moen Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah was die in 1924 and buried in yard of Great Mosque of Al Mashun Medan.

SULTAN AGUNG

Sultan Agung Hanyakrakusuma is the 3rd Mataram King wich ruled in 1613-1645. His nickname is mas Rangsang. He is grandson of Panembahan Senapati who built Mataram Kingdom and he is the oldest son of Prabu Hanyokrowati (Mas Jolang) 2nd Mataram King.

On Sultan Agung rules, Mataram Kingdom gained top of glory era in every sector. His big aim to unite Java island in Mataram regions almost accomplish, omly sultanate of Banten and Batavia still rot in. Mataram is not only rules on military power, but he did smooth politic by married off his prince with princess from the opponent Kingdom.

His famous history is sending Mataram expedition troops to Batavia for subjugate the VOC. In history record, two times he attacks the VOC in Batavia in 1628 and 1629. Event the expedition was fail, but his attack make a positive effect for other kingdom such as Banten wich joined to chase the VOC from Batavia. His troops attack also made many financial losses and weaken of the VOC troops.

In religous sector, he was an obedient sultan in Islamic activity. Every Islamic day, he went to the mosque and sharing a food to his people. This event calls "gerebeg" and the tradition still done until now. He also mixed the culture of Islam with Javanese culture. He decided Java calender from mixton between Saka Calenders with Islamic calender (Hijriyah), which is still follows by Java people.

In art sector, literature developed well. Gending and Wayang Krucil are a famous literature written by Sultan Agung. The Sultan passed away in 1645 in Imogiri.

SULTAN ADJI MOHAMAD PARIKESIT

He was born in 5 Jumadil Akhir(6th month of the Arabic calendar) 1315 H coincide with 1896 M and raised as prince 1918 with title Pangeran Adi Pati Praboe Anoem Soerya Adi Ningrat. When he was a child, Sultan A.M. Alimudin was die. So the government's wheel of Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate hold by protectorate council which held by Adji Pangeran Mangkunegoro. In 14 November 1920, he was crowned as 19th Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara with title Sultan Adji Mohamad Parikesit. In 1936, he renovated Kutai Palace which made of Ulin wood change to become a huge building with colonial architecture. After Indonesia Freedom Proclamation, sultan power collapse. Every region included East Borneo status autonomous area. In 1953 Sultan Parikesit raise Kutai regent. He was a stop in 1960 after the region status changed. In sociopolitical order during Sukarno era Sultan Kutai ever been arrested a few days and his palace become Mulawarman Museum. He lived outside the palace become an ordinary people until he was die in 22 November 1981.

SULTAN HASANUDIN

Charisma and couregous of Sultan Hasanuddin makes he called "Rooster from East Continent". Title given by his opponent, Dutch because the feel the war and opposition of Sultan Hasanudin more horrifesing than other war. He throne as 16th Gowa King replace Sultan Muhamad Said. Evethough he is not prince, because of his experience and ability, he pointed by Sultan Muhamad Said to replace him after he died.

Hasanuddin did not want to surrender from Dutch colonial which center in Batavia. He always gets attack from Dutch troops, the first attack held in 1660, then 1666; in 1667 and in 1669. The war is to help the people outside the kingdom, which get violence by the Dutch. On March 1645 he send strong fleet consist of 100 boats to help Mollucas people to fight against Dutch, known as "Hongi war". On his rule the war happen many times, but actually, he is not a leader who likes violence. His humanism as great king, shown up when he accepted Bungaya Agreement  in 18 November 1667. With this agreement, he can prevent many victims in both side, in other side his troops must face with his own nation like Tidore, Ternate, Buton and Bone which help Dutch. It is his strategy to get well plan before next war.

He was die in 12 June 1670 in youngest age of 39 years. In his short age, many things has been done, his dedications awarded as National Hero by Indonesian government on 1973.

TECHNICAL DETAIL

STAMPS

Classification of Issuance  : Special Stamp

Product code   : 061007

Issue Date       : 17 August 2006

Design and Denomination  : 1/4 Sultan Ma'moen Perkasa Alamsyah Rp 1.500,00 

                                           2/4 Sultan Agung Rp 1.500,00

                                           3/4 Sultan Adji Mohamad Parikesit Rp 1.500,00

                                           4/4 Sultan Hasanuddin Rp 1.500,00

Size                 : 40 cm x 30 cm 

Perforations      : 12.75  x 13.50

Sheet Composition : 16 pcs (4x4)

Price per-Sheet : Rp 24,000.00

 Colours             : 5 colours 

Paper : Tulis Russel     

 Gum                 : PVA       

 Printing Process : Combinations of Offset and rotogravure

Printing quantity     : 250,000 sets

Designers         : Perum Peruri  

Printer : Perum Peruri

FIRST DAY COVER (FDC)

Product code     : 062107

Price                 : Rp 14,000.00

Printing quantity : 4,000 pieces

Designer :  Tata Sugiarta

Printer               : Perum Peruri, Jakarta

Stamp Sales Period : 17 August 2006 - 31 December 2009

Period of Validity For Postage : 17 August 2006 - 31 December 2011

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