Tale, Technology, and Science in Stamp of 2016 Total Solar Eclipse
By Mega Liani Putri
Editor Mega Liani Putri
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - There was a crowd in Wisma Kerkhoyen, Bosscha Observatory in Lembang on Saturday (27/02/16) morning. There were many reporters, philatelist, and general public in the main room of the building. To commemorate the total solar eclipse in Indonesia on March 9, 2016, PT Pos Indonesia (Indonesian Post Company) launched the stamp of 2016 Total Solar Eclipse. The excitement of the locals were not less than the foreigners'. PT Pos Indonesia were partnered with the community of philatelist in the launching. The signature of the stamp series were attended by Rudiantara (The Minister of Communication and Information), Prof. Dr. Irawati, MS, Dr. Mahasena Putra (Astronomer from ITB), Siwi Wijayanti (The Head of Communication of Perum Peruri), dan Letnan Jenderal TNI. Purn RH. Soeyono, SE (The Leader of Indonesian Philatelist Community). The Monumental Stamp
In the year of 1983, a total solar eclipse passed by on the sky of Indonesia. During the time, PT Pos Indonesia launched the series of 1983 total solar eclipse stamps. After 33 years, PT Pos Indonesia and Indonesia philatelists wanted to have the same documentation for 2016 total solar eclipse. "It is not only about the stamp. There are tale, technology, and science behind it," Rudiantara said. The 2016 total solar eclipse stamps consisted of tree parts with the background of total solar eclipse chronology, combined with the Indonesian tale of Bathara Kala who swallowed the sun. The 2016 total solar eclipse stamps were designed by Agung E. B. W. and Triyadi Guntur, printed into 300.000 sets. The series of the stamps were also the first to be able simulated in Augmented Reality (AR) of total solar eclipse through Android gadgets in 4D-id application.
The activity to eternize the moment of total solar eclipse will be hold in some cities: Palembang, Bangka Tengah, Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, Cilacap, Surabaya, Pontianak, Palangkaraya, Balikpapan, Makassar, Jailolo Maba, Ternate, Ambon, Poso, Parigi Mountong, dan Palu. The documentation will be done by various sides, including Himastron ITB (the organization of ITB astronomy undergraduate students), astronomical communities, astronomical research centers, LAPAN (the national agency of aviation and antartics), local government, and the public themselves.
