Fajarasia.id – Indonesia and the Holy See celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with the launch of a commemorative stamp at the Vatican Museums on Friday (Nov 14, 2025). The ceremony was attended by senior Vatican officials, ambassadors from several countries including Malaysia and the Netherlands, as well as Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono.
The stamp, designed by Patrizio Daniele, features the national emblem of Indonesia alongside the emblem of the Holy See, represented by two crossed keys and a triple tiara topped with a golden cross. A dove with outstretched wings sits between the two symbols, signifying peace, while ribbons in red-and-white and yellow-and-white connect the emblems. The inscription “1950–2025” marks the 75-year milestone of bilateral relations.
The stamp bears the text Città del Vaticano at the top and 75 Relazioni Diplomatiche Santa Sede – Indonesia at the bottom, with a value of €3.35 (approximately Rp65,000). Ambassador Trias noted that the design reflects a shared mission of divinity and humanity, serving as both a cultural artifact and a diplomatic symbol.
In his remarks, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher highlighted the Holy See’s early recognition of Indonesia’s independence in 1947, rooted in the principle of self-determination. He emphasized that Vatican diplomacy is not driven by economic or military interests but by dialogue, peace, and religious freedom.
Gallagher praised Indonesia’s Christian community for its contributions in education, healthcare, and social services, and underscored that Pancasila aligns closely with the humanitarian values upheld by the Holy See. He recalled Pope Francis’ message that harmony in diversity requires fraternity and balance to safeguard unity without erasing cultural differences.
Historical Significance
Ambassador Trias expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s longstanding support and stressed that stamps are more than postal instruments—they are historical markers and tools of cultural diplomacy. “Stamps are part of identity and a form of second-track diplomacy,” he said, underscoring their symbolic role in representing nations on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Emilio Nappa lauded Indonesia’s philosophy of Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), describing them as values that resonate with Christian principles of fraternity and justice. He called the commemorative stamp a meaningful cultural creation that promotes peace and equality.
The release of the special edition stamp not only commemorates 75 years of Indonesia–Vatican relations but also highlights shared values of dialogue, peace, and mutual respect that continue to shape their partnership.*****
