TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Some 60 countries, 370 stamp collectors, and philatelists are participating in the Bandung International Philately Competition and Exhibition 2017. The event is being held in Bandung, West Java, on August 3-7.

"Bandung has hosted the International Philately Exhibition for twice, and this year, there are 60 participating countries and 1,937 frames showcasing stamps," Chairman of the Indonesian Philatelic Society Soeyono stated Thursday, August 3.

The Bandung International Philately Exhibition 2017 was opened by Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara in the presence of West Java Deputy Governor Deddy Mizwar and Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil.

Soeyono expressed optimism that the exhibition can help to popularize philately among young people.

"We want philately to become more popular among the young people, as it has become an extinct hobby," he noted.

The 2017 International Philately Exhibition in Bandung is themed "The Bridge to a Peaceful World Through Stamps" and aims to strengthen relations among philatelists worldwide to create world peace and advance it in all aspects.

"The exhibition also commemorates Indonesia's Independence Day and the anniversary of West Java and Bandung," he added.