Indonesia launches first NFT postage stamp

The Indonesian National Post Office has launched the country’s first Non Fungible Token postage stamp depicting the bird of paradise, Cenderawasih.

On Sept. 27, Indonesia‘s National Post Office, Pos Indonesia, launched the country’s first $NFT postage stamp to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Indonesian Post in Bandung, Indonesia. The project is done in partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Information.

This marks Indonesia’s first time in creating a stamp that utilizes blockchain-based technology for philately enthusiasts around the world to add to their digital collection.

The stamp is valued at approximately $9.90 and features the image of the Cenderawasih bird, also known as the bird of paradise. The species is known for having large multi-colored feathers and are a native to the Papua island of Indonesia.

According to the Indonesia Post official account, the $NFT stamps are going to be issued in limited quantity and in the form of a booklet.

Director of Pos Indonesia, Faizal Rochmad Djoemadi, explained that the $NFT stamp is meant to be a collector’s item instead of a legitimate stamp used for sending packages or letters. He hopes that the creation of $NFT stamps will pique the younger generation’s interest in stamp collecting.

“Hopefully young people who are already native digital can return to collecting stamps but in the form of $NFT,” said Faizal to reporters at the launch ceremony.

He added that the stamp will also be issued in a physical form, so that collectors can have a physical copy along with the $NFT. The stamp can be bought through the Indonesian Post’s website by scanning a QR code that will take potential buyers to a Google form link where they can order the $NFT stamp.

With the launch of this product, Indonesia becomes the third country in the Southeast Asian region to launch $NFT stamps. Neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia, have already released their own digital postage stamps in the form of NFTs.