Indonesia

The flag of Indonesia is a bicolour comprising two equal horizontal bands with red in the top half and white in the bottom half. The flag's ratio is 2:3.

The state of Indonesia was colonised by the Dutch from the 17th century before being occupied by Japan during the second World War from 1942 to 1945. Following the conclusion of the second World War in 1945, Indonesia declared its independence. It was during the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence on 17 August 1945 in Jakarta that the present day flag of Indonesia was first displayed.

There are several theories regarding the colours of the Indonesian flag. Some say that the colours represent courage (red) and purity (white) whilst others believe the colours to represent the human body/physical life (red) and the soul/spiritual life (white).

The official name of the Indonesian flag is Sang Saka Merah-Putih (meaning "lofty bicolour red and white"). This is set out in Article 35 of Indonesia's Constitution. The flag is also referred to as Sang Dwiwarna (meaing "the bicolour") or Bendera Merah-Putih (meaning "red and white flag").

The official flag day of Indonesia is August 17 - Indonesia's Independence Day.

The flag of Indonesia is almost identical to the flag of Monaca, with slightly different dimensions. The flag of Poland is the reverse of the flag of Indonesia.

A row of Indonesian flags