Indonesian National Anthem
History of the Indonesian Anthem
The name of the Indonesian national anthem is called "Indonesia Raya", which is directly translated to "Great Indonesia" in English. The song was composed by Wage Rudolf Supratman, a national hero and singer, during the second Indonesian Youth Congress. The song was created as a way to display national pride and to move towards a single nation, breaking away from the Dutch East Indies rather than partitioning the land into several provinces or states. The song was adopted as the national anthem in 1945 after Indonesia officially declared independence from its Dutch authorities.
The national anthem is played at every ceremony and every Monday in all schools throughout the entire country. Interestingly enough, flag bearers time the cadence to the song during their raising, so that it reaches the peak of the pole at the exact moment the anthem ends. During the national day of independence, August 17, all who are able must stand and face the music - paying respect. The exception is military personnel, who must hold their salute throughout the entire duration.