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

This is Indonesia’s first example of creating a stamp using blockchain-based technology for philately enthusiasts around the world to add to their digital collections.

The value of the stamp is approximately $9.90 and it features the image of the Cenderawasih bird, also known as the bird of paradise. The species is known for having large, multicolored plumage and is native to the Indonesian island of Papua.

According to Indonesia Post’s official account, NFT stamps will be printed in limited numbers and in the form of booklets.

Pos Indonesia Director Faizal Rochmad Djoemadi explained that the NFT stamp should be a collector’s item rather than a legitimate stamp used to send packages or letters. He hopes that the creation of NFT stamps will increase the younger generation’s interest in stamp collecting.

Speaking to reporters at the launch ceremony, Faizal said, “I hope that young people, who are already digital natives, can return to collecting stamps in the form of NFTs.”

He added that the stamp will also be physically printed so that collectors can also have a physical copy along with the NFT. The stamp can be purchased through Indonesia Post’s website by scanning a QR code that will direct 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 to launch NFT coins in the Southeast Asian region. Neighboring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia have already launched their own digital postage stamps in the form of NFTs.