Sheet music

INDONESIA : Indonesia National Anthem
Indonesian National Anthem
National Anthem of Indonesia
Indonesia Raya

  • Author: Wage Rudolf Soepratman (1903-1938)
  • Composer: Wage Rudolf Soepratman (1903-1938)
  • Adopted: 1945
  • National Day: August 17 (1945) - Independence Day
    Formerly Dutch East Indies
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    Wage Rudolf Soepratman
    Wage Rudolf Soepratman

  • Further details: Indonesia's National Anthem 'Indonesia Raya' ('Indonesia The Great') was composed in 1928 during the Dutch colonial period, at a time when the Dutch rulers in Indonesia carried out a divide and rule policy which stressed linguistic, ethnic, cultural and religious differences amongst the Indonesian people.

    The birth of 'Indonesia Raya' was closely related to the awakening of Indonesia's nationalist movements. The song was first introduced by its author and composer, WAGE RUDOLF SOEPRATMAN (1903-1938) at the Second All Indonesia Youth Congress held on October 28 1928, at the time when Indonesia's youth originating from different ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural denominations enthusiastically pledged: 1. having one native country, Indonesia, 2. belonging to one nation, the Indonesian Nation and
    3. having one language of unity, the Indonesian language.

    The then National Song, introduced to this youth congress, stressing the call for unity among Indonesians, soon became popular. It was sung at Indonesian political rallies where participants stood up in solemn adherence. The song had really implanted Indonesia's national consciousness among the population all over the archipelago. It became the National Anthem in 1949.