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Flag of Indonesia

society Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The national flag of Indonesia is a simple but powerful symbol. It has two horizontal bands of color. The top band is red and the bottom band is white. This flag has a specific ratio of 2:3. Many people call it the Bendera Merah-Putih, which means the Red-and-White Flag. Its official name is Sang Saka Merah-Putih.

Flag of Indonesia
Flag of Indonesia

This flag represents the identity and pride of the Indonesian people.

There are many ideas about what the colors mean. Some people believe red stands for courage. They think white stands for purity. Other people see a different meaning in the colors. They say red represents the physical human body. They believe white represents the human soul or spiritual life. Together, the colors show a complete human being.

Flag of Indonesia (physical version)
Flag of Indonesia (physical version)

The history of these colors goes back a very long time. They are linked to the Majapahit Empire from the 13th century. This empire was known for its great strength at sea. The navy even used a special jack with nine stripes. These stripes were five red and four white.

Naval flag of Majapahit Kingdom
Naval flag of Majapahit Kingdom

Some records show these colors were used even earlier in the 12th century. Long ago, people used natural dyes to make these colors. They used things like teak leaves or mangosteen fruit skins.

In the early 1900s, these colors became a sign of nationalism. Students and activists used them to show they wanted independence. A group called Perhimpoenan Indonesia used a design with a banteng head. The modern red and white flag was first flown in 1928. It was a very important symbol during the struggle against Dutch rule.

During the war for independence, people even tore the blue strip off a Dutch flag to make an Indonesian one.

Hote-orange
Hote-orange

Indonesia officially declared its independence on 17 August 1945. The first flag was sewn by a woman named Fatmawati. It was hoisted at 56 Jalan Proklamasi in Jakarta.

This moment was a huge step for the new nation. The flag is flown many times throughout the year. It is displayed on special days like National Education Day. It is also used to honor people who served the country.

Paskibra Pengibaran 03
Paskibra Pengibaran 03
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Indonesia flag raising witnesses 17 August 1945.jpg
Indonesia flag raising witnesses 17...
File:Naval flag of Majapahit Kingdom.svg
Naval flag of Majapahit Kingdom.svg
File:Flag of Perhimpunan Indonesia.png
Flag of Perhimpunan Indonesia.png
File:Hote-orange.jpg
Hote-orange.jpg
File:Flag of Indonesia.svg
Flag of Indonesia.svg
File:Flag of Indonesia (physical version).svg
Flag of Indonesia (physical version).svg
File:Flag of Indonesia (vertical).svg
Flag of Indonesia (vertical).svg
File:Paskibra Pengibaran 03.jpg
Paskibra Pengibaran 03.jpg
File:Republik Indonesia (34467396916).jpg
Republik Indonesia (34467396916).jpg
File:West Java Cultural Parade (Parade Budaya Jawa Barat).jpg
West Java Cultural Parade (Parade Budaya...
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