The national anthem of Indonesia is called: « Indonesia Raya ».
Continent: Asia
Bordering Countries:
– 🇲🇾 Malaysia
– 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea
– 🇸🇬 Singapore
History of « Indonesia Raya »
« Indonesia Raya » (Great Indonesia) is the national anthem of Indonesia. The anthem reflects the country’s struggle for independence, its cultural heritage, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1928: The lyrics and music of « Indonesia Raya » were written by Wage Rudolf Supratman, an Indonesian journalist and songwriter. The song was first introduced at the Second Indonesian Youth Congress in Batavia (now Jakarta) on October 28, 1928.
- 1945: Following Indonesia’s declaration of independence on August 17, 1945, « Indonesia Raya » was adopted as the national anthem of the Republic of Indonesia.
- 1950: The anthem was officially confirmed as the national anthem in the 1950 Constitution of Indonesia.
Anecdotes
- Youth Congress: « Indonesia Raya » was first performed at the Second Indonesian Youth Congress, where it became a symbol of the Indonesian nationalist movement. The congress also produced the Youth Pledge, which called for a united Indonesia.
- Colonial Ban: During the Dutch colonial period, the anthem was banned, and its performance was considered an act of rebellion. Despite this, it continued to be sung in secret by Indonesian nationalists.
- Cultural Significance: « Indonesia Raya » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Indonesian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Indonesians.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Indonesian
Indonesia tanah airku,
Tanah tumpah darahku,
Di sanalah aku berdiri,
Jadi pandu ibuku.
Indonesia kebangsaanku,
Bangsa dan tanah airku,
Marilah kita berseru,
Indonesia bersatu.
Hiduplah tanahku,
Hiduplah negeriku,
Bangsaku, rakyatku, semuanya,
Bangunlah jiwanya,
Bangunlah badannya,
Untuk Indonesia Raya.
Indonesia Raya,
Merdeka, merdeka,
Tanahku, negeriku yang kucinta.
Indonesia Raya,
Merdeka, merdeka,
Hiduplah Indonesia Raya.In English (translation)
Indonesia, my homeland,
The land where my blood is shed,
There I stand,
To be the guide of my motherland.
Indonesia, my nationality,
My nation and my homeland,
Let us exclaim,
Indonesia unites!
Long live my land,
Long live my state,
My nation, my people, all of them,
Build their spirit,
Build their bodies,
For Great Indonesia.
Great Indonesia,
Independent and free,
My land, my country which I love.
Great Indonesia,
Independent and free,
Long live Great Indonesia.Sources: