The Indonesia Garuda on the emblem is a Javanese Eagle and not the original mythical creature. The look on the face is stern and towards the side which emphasizes its strength as a national symbol. The bird carries the Motto of the Indonesian State and not the elixir of immortality as depicted in mythology.
The Mottos is derived from an old, pre-Islamic, Javanese literature which can be translated into English as –“The essence of Buddha and Shiva are of difference substance, they are different indeed but how can they possibly be separated; Buddhism and Shivaism are different but one; they are two but one, because the truth cannot become two.” This depicts the Indonesian state standing together despite their many differences and also the fact that it’s a largely Muslim country. It is a reminder to be peaceful and to embrace, in kindness, their differences.
The Garuda has a coat of arms embedded on its chest. These represent the five principles of the nation- Pancasila. The elements are-
A Central Star- representing the oneness of God. The five tips are for the official religions of the country-Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Now Confucianism has also been accepted.
A Chain- the symbol of Humanitarianism, a just and civilized humanity.
A Banyan Tree- this is to show national unity. A sacred tree with deep connections, that reach deep into the layers of Indonesian identity. In Bali, Banyan trees are thought to be living beings an each on has a shrine addressed to its soul.
A Bull- represents the principle of democracy. A symbol of strength and also being a social animal.
The Two Twigs of Rice and Cotton- these depict the principle of social justice that represent sustenance and livelihood.
In a world where a majority of a multi-cultural states are destroyed by never ending conflicts about loyalty to ones state, religion and ethnicity, Indonesia stands as an island of peace.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, INDONESIA!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, INDONESIA!
As Indonesia celebrates its 69th Independence Day today, the 17th of August, I thought I’d share the story, of their official emblem. Garuda, the anthropomorphic mythical figure is their National symbol/emblem, however there is a large difference between the mythical figure and what Indonesia uses as their emblem. The official emblem, Garuda, is embedded with a coat of arms containing the five principles of the state, PANCASILA, and its motto- BHINNEKA TUNGGAL IKA (Unity in Diversity). 
The Indonesia Garuda on the emblem is a Javanese Eagle and not the original mythical creature. The look on the face is stern and towards the side which emphasizes its strength as a national symbol. The bird carries the Motto of the Indonesian State and not the elixir of immortality as depicted in mythology.
The Mottos is derived from an old, pre-Islamic, Javanese literature which can be translated into English as –“The essence of Buddha and Shiva are of difference substance, they are different indeed but how can they possibly be separated; Buddhism and Shivaism are different but one; they are two but one, because the truth cannot become two.” This depicts the Indonesian state standing together despite their many differences and also the fact that it’s a largely Muslim country. It is a reminder to be peaceful and to embrace, in kindness, their differences.
The Garuda has a coat of arms embedded on its chest. These represent the five principles of the nation- Pancasila. The elements are-
A Central Star- representing the oneness of God. The five tips are for the official religions of the country-Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Now Confucianism has also been accepted.
A Chain- the symbol of Humanitarianism, a just and civilized humanity.
A Banyan Tree- this is to show national unity. A sacred tree with deep connections, that reach deep into the layers of Indonesian identity. In Bali, Banyan trees are thought to be living beings an each on has a shrine addressed to its soul.
A Bull- represents the principle of democracy. A symbol of strength and also being a social animal.
The Two Twigs of Rice and Cotton- these depict the principle of social justice that represent sustenance and livelihood.
In a world where a majority of a multi-cultural states are destroyed by never ending conflicts about loyalty to ones state, religion and ethnicity, Indonesia stands as an island of peace.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, INDONESIA!
The Indonesia Garuda on the emblem is a Javanese Eagle and not the original mythical creature. The look on the face is stern and towards the side which emphasizes its strength as a national symbol. The bird carries the Motto of the Indonesian State and not the elixir of immortality as depicted in mythology.
The Mottos is derived from an old, pre-Islamic, Javanese literature which can be translated into English as –“The essence of Buddha and Shiva are of difference substance, they are different indeed but how can they possibly be separated; Buddhism and Shivaism are different but one; they are two but one, because the truth cannot become two.” This depicts the Indonesian state standing together despite their many differences and also the fact that it’s a largely Muslim country. It is a reminder to be peaceful and to embrace, in kindness, their differences.
The Garuda has a coat of arms embedded on its chest. These represent the five principles of the nation- Pancasila. The elements are-
A Central Star- representing the oneness of God. The five tips are for the official religions of the country-Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Now Confucianism has also been accepted.
A Chain- the symbol of Humanitarianism, a just and civilized humanity.
A Banyan Tree- this is to show national unity. A sacred tree with deep connections, that reach deep into the layers of Indonesian identity. In Bali, Banyan trees are thought to be living beings an each on has a shrine addressed to its soul.
A Bull- represents the principle of democracy. A symbol of strength and also being a social animal.
The Two Twigs of Rice and Cotton- these depict the principle of social justice that represent sustenance and livelihood.
In a world where a majority of a multi-cultural states are destroyed by never ending conflicts about loyalty to ones state, religion and ethnicity, Indonesia stands as an island of peace.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, INDONESIA!
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