Indonesia Flag

Red symbolizes courage, physical life, and human body; white stands for purity, spirit, and the soul. These colors are deeply rooted in local mythology, representing dualism—Mother Earth and Father Sky—in Austronesian tradition. They also evoke Indonesia’s enduring struggle for independence and reaffirm a collective will to build a just and noble nation.

Derived from ancient Majapahit banners and colonial-era student movements, the flag first appeared publicly in 1928 among nationalist youths and was reportedly hastily raised on 17 August 1945 when Sukarno proclaimed independence. The original hand-sewn 'Bendera Pusaka' flown that day remains a revered national relic, now preserved under guarded conditions. When sovereignty was recognized in 1949, the red and white flag was enshrined as Indonesia’s enduring emblem.

The design consists of two equal horizontal bands—red over white—in a 2:3 ratio. No emblem or motto appears on the national flag. For naval and military purposes, alternate designs like the nine-striped naval jack exist. The simplicity of the design emphasizes visibility, unity, and a timeless aesthetic rooted in heritage and national soul.

Indonesian usage laws govern the flag’s display: it’s raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset, with special etiquette for Independence Day and memorial events. The revered original ‘Bendera Pusaka’ is flown only during official national ceremonies under guard. Desecration is punishable by law, and destroyed flags are to be respectfully burned. Variants exist for civil, government, naval, and presidential use, each with precise rules.