Sang Saka Merah Putih (The flag of the Republic of Indonesia)

Sang Saka Merah Putih 

(The flag of the Republic of Indonesia)

The flag of the Republic of Indonesia, which is briefly called the State Flag, is Sang Saka Merah Putih, Merah Putih, Merah Putih, or sometimes called Sang Dwiwarna (two colors). The Red and White Country Flag is rectangular with the width of 2/3 (two-thirds) of the length and the top is red and the bottom is white with both sections the same size.


The meaning of Color : 

The flag of Indonesia has a philosophical meaning. Red means courage, white means holiness. Red symbolizes the human body, while the white symbolizes the human soul. Both complement each other and perfect the human body and soul to build Indonesia.

In terms of history, since ancient times both red and white colors contain a sacred meaning. Explanation: The red color is similar to the color of Java sugar (palm sugar) and white color similar to the color of rice. These two ingredients are the main ingredients in Indonesian cuisine, especially in Java. When the Majapahit Empire triumphed in the archipelago, the colors of the banners used were red and white (umbul-umbul abang putih). Since the first color red and white this by the Javanese used for ceremony selamatan babies after four months of age in the womb in the form of porridge that is given a partial red dye. Javanese believe that pregnancy begins since the union of the red element as a symbol of the mother, the blood that spilled when the baby was born, and the white element as a father symbol, which is planted in the cave garba.

Country Flag is made of cloth whose color does not fade and with the provisions of size:

• 200 cm x 300 cm for use in the presidential palace field.
• 120 cm x 180 cm for general field usage.
• 100 cm x 150 cm for use in the room.
• 36 cm x 54 cm for use in the car of President and Vice President.
• 30 cm x 45 cm for use in state officials cars.
• 20 cm x 30 cm for use in public transport.
• 100 cm x 150 cm for use on board.
• 100 cm x 150 cm for use on trains.
• 30 cm x 45 cm for use in aircraft / aircraft.
• 10 cm x 15 cm for use on the table.
• 3 cm x 5 cm for use in school uniform.

The hoisting and / or installation of the Country Flag is performed between sunrise and sunset. Under certain circumstances, it can be done at night.

The flag of the State shall be flown on the anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day on August 17, by citizens who control the right to use the house, building or office, educational unit, public transport and private transportation throughout the territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and at the representative office of the Republic of Indonesia in overseas.

The flag of the State is also raised at the commemoration of national holidays or other events, namely:

• May 2nd, National Education Day (Hardiknas);
• May 20, National Awakening Day (Boedi Oetomo's Day);
• October 1, Pancasila Kesaktian Day;
• October 28, Youth Pledge Day;
• November 10, Hero's Day;
• Other events (referred to as "other events" are major events or extraordinary events experienced by the Indonesian people, for example during a visit of the President or Vice President to the region and on the celebration of regional ritual).

Country Flag must be flown daily at:

• Presidential palace and vice president
• Building or office of state institutions
• Building or office of government institution
• Building or office of non-ministerial government institution
• Building or office of local government agency
• Building or office of the regional legislature
• Building or representative office of the Republic of Indonesia abroad
• Building or page of educational unit
• Building or private office
• House of presidency and vice president
• House of office of the head of state institution
• Ministerial office
• House of office of non-ministerial government institution
• House of posts of governors, regents, mayors and sub-district
• Building or office or other office
• Outpost border and outer islands in the territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia
• Environment of the Indonesian National Army and the Police of the Republic of Indonesia and National Hero Cemetery.

The flag of Indonesia was flown at half-mast during events:

• After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and earthquake in Aceh
• After the death of the former president, for example a half-mast flag raised for a week after Soekarno, Suharto, and Abdurrahman Wahid's death
• During the time of President Soeharto, a half-mast flag was also raised to commemorate the September 30, 1965 Movement of the Indonesian Communist Party (G30S / PKI). However, after the fall of Soeharto, this activity was not mandatory.
• On another national day of mourning