Indonesia Flag

The Indonesia flag is made up of two horizontal stripes of color. The top color is red, and the bottom color is white. The red represents the blood and the human body. The white symbolizes the soul and the spirit. When put together they make up the entire human body.

The Indonesian flag was enacted on August 17, 1945. The first flag of Indonesia was flown among Japanese occupation forces on the day Indonesia's independence was announced. However, the previous Dutch colonial rulers did not recognize Indonesian independence until December 27, 1949. In 1922 the Indonesia flag was used by activists seeking Indonesian independence from Dutch colonial rule and was later flown in 1928, by nationalists on the island of Java to represent the Indonesian campaign for independence. Indonesia’s flag is based on a banner believed to have been flown in the late 13th century by the Majapahit Empire. This flag can be flown both nationally and civilly by its citizens.

Indonesia has some very strict guidelines for the use and care of its flag. The Indonesian flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground as it disrespects the history of the flag and the history of Indonesia in general. When the flag is tattered or faded, that flag must be replaced with a new flag in a good condition. It is very important to ensure the flag always goes the correct way up, due to care and consideration. When in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, the flag should be destroyed respectful and dignified way, preferably by burning in private due to care and respect.

In the seventh century, the Indian Gupta dynasty brought in Buddhism and built Borobudur. In 1511, the Portuguese captured Malacca. In 1799, Indonesia became a Dutch colony. The volcano Krakatoa erupted in 1883 killing around fifty thousand individuals. In 1942, Japan occupied Indonesia. In 1945, Indonesia declared itself independent. In 1949, it became a republic. Sukarno became the first president. In 1965 General Suharto took power. In 1975 Indonesia took East Timor. Megawati Sukarnoputri, Sukarno’s daughter became president in 2001. In 2002, East Timor gained its independence and a bomb in Bali killed nearly two hundred individuals.

Individuals who want an Indonesia flag photo or more information about the flag itself can find any one of several websites that are available over the internet.