What is the title of Indonesia’s national anthem, first introduced in 1928?

Indonesia’s national anthem, first introduced in 1928, is titled “Indonesia Raya.”

The title means “Great Indonesia.” Wage Rudolf Supratman wrote the song and presented it at the Second Indonesian Youth Congress in Batavia on October 28, 1928. That congress is remembered for the Youth Pledge, which expressed a commitment to one homeland, one nation, and one language.

The colonial authorities later restricted public performances because the song encouraged Indonesian nationalism. After Indonesia proclaimed independence in 1945, “Indonesia Raya” became the national anthem. Its opening lines are especially associated with the country’s independence movement.

The complete composition has three stanzas, but official ceremonies generally use the first stanza, sometimes with additional musical repetitions. It should not be confused with other patriotic Indonesian songs such as “Bagimu Negeri,” which are widely performed but do not hold the status of national anthem.