Indonesia Pakistan Economic and Cultural Cooperation Organization (IPECC) - (1968-1994)

The Indonesia-Pakistan Economic and Cultural Cooperation Organization (IPECC) is a bilateral agreement between the two countries which aims at promoting closer economic, technical and cultural cooperation and welfare of the people of Indonesia and Pakistan. The decision to form this organization was taken in September, 1964 by the Heads of the States of the Republic of Indonesia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and it came into being on August 19, 1968.
2. So far Pakistan Postal Services Corporation and Postal Administration of Indonesia have issued commemorative post-age stamps on two common themes. The first set on IPECC was released on 5.2.1978 depicting \"Traditional Costumes\" of both the countries, Second set in the series was issued on 19.8.1983 depicting \"Traditional weaving handicrafts\". The third set consisting of two commemorative postage stamps, each of Rs. 10/-denomination on IPECC is being issued on August 19,1994 on the common theme of \'Pottery\' depicting \'LOMBOK POTTERY\' of Indonesia and \'HALA POTTERY\' of Pakistan.
HALA POTTERY
In Pakistan, arts of pottery and ceramics carry a tradition of thousands of years. The craft of pottery, as evident from archaeological finds was in existence in Sindh during the Indus Valley\' civilization. However, the potter of this region learned their expertise after the Arab conquest and the advent of Islam in Sindh. The potters of Hala were ori9inally migrated from Iran and Mesopotamia. After the advent of Iranian influence in ceramic. ware, during the late 15th and 16th century, the potters of Hala began using Iranian blue with white background. This art has continued to the presently day. Hala, today, retains the specialty of blue and white combination. But, there has been some deviation and the Hala craftsmen have broken away from the monotonous colour of their environment by painting bright blue, yellow and golden flowers.
The earthenware of Sindh varies in form, technique and decoration. The process consists of turning clay in a potter\'s wheel, creating different kinds of shapes. After drying, the craft is painted with specially prepared dyes that would change its hue on baking. Then comes the glazing process. The craft is then baked in traditionally built oven on controlled temperature.
Hala pottery vessels exhibits a great variety of shapes. Amongst them shapes like stands, bowls, goblets, water pitchers, plant pots, dishes, pans, storage jars etc. are very popular. Most of these are wheel made, well fired and plain.
THE POTTERY OF LOMBOK
Lombok, a small island in the province of West Nusa Tenggara, has a unique type of pottery. At the beginning, Lombok pottery comprises only a few basic traditional implements such as jars, jugs, mortars and piggy-banks.
Thanks to some innovators, to-day Lombok pottery has been technically developed. At the same time in compliance with the demands of the customers the design has also been improved.
Lombok pottery is characterized by additional decoration made of plaited rattan and sometimes combined with old coins.
The basic colour of Lombok pottery is black.
To-day\'s Lombok pottery comprising flowers pots, large bowls or ornamental plates has won a reputation as an artistic element in many five star hotels.
The demands for Lombok pottery is increasing, mostly from Japan, Singapore, Belgium, and Canada.