Adopted in 1945
| Capital | Jakarta |
|---|---|
| Population | 283 487 931 inh. |
| Area | 1 916 910 km² |
| Population density | 147.9 inh./km² |
| Local time | --:-- (multiple time zones) |
| Language(s) | Indonesian |
| Political system | Unitary presidential constitutional republic |
| National motto | Unity in Diversity |
| National anthem | Indonesia Raya (Great Indonesia) |
| Currency | Indonesian rupiah (IDR) |
| Land borders | Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor |
| Maritime borders | Indian Ocean, South China Sea, Celebes Sea, Arafura Sea, Molucca Sea, Pacific Ocean, Singapore Strait, Strait of Malacca, Timor Sea, Banda Sea |
The flag: history and symbolism
Flag History
Red and white have been associated with the archipelago since the Majapahit Empire, a powerful Javanese kingdom from the 13th to the 16th centuries whose banners bore these colours.
The red and white flag, called Sang Saka Merah-Putih (‘the revered red and white’), was raised on 17 August 1945, when Sukarno proclaimed independence in Jakarta. This first flag was sewn by his wife, Fatmawati.
The 1945 Constitution designates it as the national flag, and a law of 2009 sets out its use.
Meaning of Colours & Emblems
The two colours of the Indonesian flag have a well-established meaning:
- Red: courage, and the human body.
- White: purity, and the soul.
Together, they express the idea of a complete human being and the union of body and spirit.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
The original 1945 flag, the Bendera Pusaka (‘heirloom flag’), was raised every 17 August at the presidential palace until 1968. Having become too fragile, it has been replaced by a replica at the ceremony since 1969.
The Indonesian flag is almost identical to that of Monaco; only their proportions differ (2:3 for Indonesia, 4:5 for Monaco).
It is also the reverse of the flag of Poland, which is white above and red below.
Similar Flags Around the World
Sport and history
National teams
Olympic Games
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Indonesia?
Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia.
What do the colours of the flag of Indonesia mean?
The two colours of the Indonesian flag have a well-established meaning: Red: courage, and the human body. White: purity, and the soul. Together, they express the idea of a complete human being and the union of body and spirit.
Which countries border Indonesia?
Indonesia shares land borders with: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor.