Flag of Indonesia

The national flag of Indonesia is a simple two colour flag with two equal horizontal bands, red (top) and white. Its colours are derived from the colours of the 14th century Majapahit Empire. The red stands for courage and the white for purity. Called Sang Saka ("lofty bicolour") Merah Putih ("red white") in Indonesian, it was first used by students and then nationalists in the early part of the 20th century under Dutch rule. Following World War II, Indonesian nationalists declared their independence on August 17 1945, at which point they hoisted and adopted the flag. For that event a Dutch flag was used from which the blue banner had been cut off.

Related Topics:
Indonesia - 14th century - Majapahit - Indonesian - 20th century - Dutch rule - World War II - August 17 - 1945

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