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Flag of Indonesia

society Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The national flag of Indonesia is a bicolor banner with two horizontal bands. The top band is red and the bottom band is white. It follows a specific ratio of 2:3 for its dimensions. This flag is a vital symbol of Indonesian identity and national pride. It is officially named Sang Saka Merah-Putih according to the 1945 Constitution. Many people also call it the Bendera Merah-Putih, or the Red-and-White Flag.

Flag of Indonesia
Flag of Indonesia

There are several interpretations regarding the symbolism of the colors. One common view is that red represents courage and white represents purity. Another perspective links the colors to the human condition. In this view, red symbolizes the physical body or physical life. White symbolizes the soul or spiritual life. Together, they represent a complete human being.

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

The history of these colors is deeply rooted in ancient Indonesian traditions. The colors are derived from the banners of the 13th-century Majapahit Empire. This empire was famous for its great maritime strength. The Indonesian Navy still uses a design called the Naval Jack. This jack features nine alternating stripes of five red and four white. This specific design dates back to the era of the Majapahit.

Naval flag of Majapahit Kingdom
Naval flag of Majapahit Kingdom

Records suggest these colors were revered even before the Majapahit era. The Pararaton chronicle mentions red and white banners in the early 12th century. During the Kediri era, these colors were already used as kingdom banners. Ancient Indonesians used natural dyes to create these colors. White was the natural color of woven cotton. Red was obtained from teak leaves, mangosteen fruit skin, or Averrhoa bilimbi flowers. Many different groups used these colors, including the Buginese Bone kingdom and the Batak lands.

In the early 20th century, these colors became a tool for nationalism. Students and nationalists used them to express opposition to Dutch rule. The Perhimpoenan Indonesia used a precursor design with a banteng head. The modern red and white flag was first flown in 1928. It was quickly prohibited by the Dutch authorities. During the struggle for independence, the flag became a symbol of defiance. In one famous incident at the Yamato Hotel, youths tore the blue strip off a Dutch flag to create an Indonesian one.

Hote-orange
Hote-orange

Indonesia officially proclaimed its independence on 17 August 1945. The first flag, known as the Bendera Pusaka, was sewn by Fatmawati. It was hoisted at 56 Jalan Proklamasi in Jakarta. The flag was flown again when the Dutch formally transferred sovereignty on 27 December 1949. The design has remained unchanged since that time. The flag is displayed daily at the Presidential Palace and government buildings. It is also flown during many special commemorations, such as National Education Day and Youth Pledge Day.

Indonesia flag raising witnesses 17 August 1945
Indonesia flag raising witnesses 17 August 1945

Strict laws govern how the flag must be treated to protect its honor. It is illegal to destroy, tear, or burn the flag to insult the nation. People are also prohibited from using the flag for commercial advertisements or billboards. It must not be used to cover roofs or wrap goods. Using a damaged, faded, or smudged flag is also forbidden. Violating these rules can lead to serious consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

Paskibra Pengibaran 03
Paskibra Pengibaran 03

The flag also serves as a way to honor those who served the country. It can be used as a cover for the coffins of high-ranking officials. This includes Presidents, Vice Presidents, and members of the Cabinet. It is also used for members of the military and police who died in service. On certain days, the flag is flown at half-mast to show mourning. This includes the anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2002 Bali bombings.

Republik Indonesia (34467396916)
Republik Indonesia (34467396916)
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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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