SEMARANG - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon opened a philatelic exhibition about the Japanese occupation at the PoHan House, Old City Area, Semarang, Sunday, May 31. This exhibition raises the post archive period 1942-1945.
The exhibition entitled "In the Grip of the Old Brother: Traces of the Japanese Occupation in Indonesia in the Philatelic Archives (1942-1945)" features stamps, letters, postal documents, and other historical materials.
Fadli said that philately should no longer be seen as just a hobby of collecting stamps. Behind the small object, there are records of social, political, and cultural changes.
"Postage stamps, letters, and postal documents are not just collectibles, but also a source of knowledge that helps us read history more fully," said Fadli in the Public Session of Philately at the Oudetrap Building, Old City Semarang.
According to Fadli, the Japanese occupation period is an important part of Indonesian history. That period not only contains stories of suffering and oppression, but also became part of the global dynamics that helped pave the way to independence.
He reminded that history cannot be read in black and white. The current generation needs to look at that period critically, based on facts and historical sources that can be accounted for.
"History is not always presented in black and white. Therefore, the current generation needs to see the various dynamics that occurred during that time critically," he said.
This activity was held by the Indonesian Ministry of Culture together with the Semarang City Government, the Indonesian Philatelist Association Central Board, and the PoHan House.
In addition to public speeches, Fadli also signed two commemorative covers with Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti. The two are the 479th Anniversary of the City of Semarang Commemorative Cover and the Japanese Occupation Philatelic Exhibition Commemorative Cover.
Agustina assessed that this exhibition adds to the attraction of the Old City of Semarang as a historical and cultural area.
"This exhibition enriches the Old City of Semarang. The presence of various historical collections and archives is an attraction as well as an educational tool for the community," said Agustina.
Through this exhibition, the public is invited to re-read Indonesian history through the philatelic archive that records life during the Japanese occupation.
Fadli hopes that this exhibition can bring young generations closer to Indonesian history through more concrete archives.
"The archives, stamps, and various material cultures displayed can help people understand the journey of the Indonesian nation more closely and tangibly," he said.
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