"Indonesia Raya" is the national anthem of Indonesia. It has been the national anthem since the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence on 17 August 1945. The song was introduced by its composer, Wage Rudolf Supratman, on 28 October 1928 during the Youth Pledge in Jakarta. The song marked the birth of the archipelago nationalist movement in Indonesia that aims to gain independence from Dutch colonial rule. The first newspaper to openly publish the musical notation and lyrics of "Indonesia Raya"—an act of defiance towards the Dutch authorities—was the Chinese Indonesian weekly Sin Po.
Music sheet of "Indonesia Raya"
Proclamation of Indonesian Independence
The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read at 10:00 on Friday, 17 August 1945 in Jakarta. The declaration marked the start of the diplomatic and armed resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians, until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia's independence in 1949. The document was signed by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, who were appointed president and vice-president respectively the following day.
Sukarno, accompanied by Mohammad Hatta (right), proclaiming the independence of Indonesia.
The original Indonesian proclamation of Independence
Sukarno praying before proclaiming the independence of Indonesia
Children playing in Proclamation Park, the site of the 1945 Indonesian proclamation of independence; monument designed by Nyoman Nuarta