The Indonesian Coat of Arms features a golden eagle known as the “Garuda.” The story of this majestic bird dates back centuries, appearing in ancient Indonesian literature and myths. Images of the “Garuda” can be found in various temples built between the sixth and sixteenth centuries.
The “Garuda” symbolizes creative energy. The golden color represents the nation’s greatness, while the black color signifies nature. The eagle has seventeen flight feathers on each wing, eight tail feathers, and forty-five neck feathers. These feathers represent the date of Indonesia’s independence: August 17, 1945 (the seventeenth of August, nineteen forty-five).
The motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” displayed on a banner held by the eagle’s talons, translates to “Unity in Diversity.” This motto was first used by Empu (Saint) Tantular of the Majapahit Kingdom in the fifteenth century. It symbolizes the unity of the Indonesian people despite their diverse cultural backgrounds.
The shield hanging from the eagle’s neck represents Indonesia’s self-defense. The red and white of the shield’s background are the colors of the Indonesian national flag. The fields of the shield represent the state philosophy “Pancasila.”
The bar across the center of the shield symbolizes the equator, which passes through the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Halmahera.
The golden star in the center of the shield represents the first principle of “Pancasila,” “Belief in the One Supreme God.” The chain symbolizes the unbroken continuity of generations, with round links representing women and square links representing men. This chain embodies the second principle, “Just and Civilized Humanity.” The “Beringin” tree represents the third principle, “The Unity of Indonesia.” The head of the buffalo symbolizes the fourth principle, “Democracy led by the Wisdom of Deliberations among Representatives.” Finally, the paddy and the ears of cotton represent the fifth principle, “Social Justice for the Whole of the People of Indonesia.” The paddy symbolizes food, and the cotton symbolizes clothing, both representing the basic needs of the Indonesian people.
Daftar kata
- ancient = kuno
- banner = solag, pataka
- chain = rantai
- civilized = beradab
- humanity = kemanusiaan
- coat of arms = lambang
- consciousness = kesadaran
- ears of cotton = kapas
- denote = menunjukkan
- establish = mendirikan
- feather = bulu burung
- in spite of = daripada
- myth = dongeng/mitos
- represent = melukiskan
- symbolize = melambangkan
- self defence = pertahanan diri
- shield = perisai
- sovereignity = kedaulatan
- unity in diversity = berbeda tetapi satu
- talon = cakar
The Garuda: A Symbol of Unity in Diversity
The ancient myth of the Garuda is more than just a story; it’s a powerful symbol that has resonated through centuries, denoting strength, wisdom, and the very essence of humanity. This magnificent mythical bird, with its talon-like claws and feather-covered wings, is a powerful representation of sovereignty and self-defence.
The Garuda is often depicted with a banner bearing the Indonesian coat of arms, a symbol of national pride and unity. The chain of its wings, strong and interconnected, symbolize the interconnectedness of all people, a powerful message of unity in diversity.
The Garuda‘s piercing gaze, a symbol of heightened consciousness, reminds us to be vigilant and aware of the world around us. Its ears of cotton are a delicate touch, denoting a sense of peace and tranquility, even in the face of adversity.
In spite of its majestic presence, the Garuda is not a symbol of aggression. It represents the strength of a civilized society, one that protects its people and stands up for what is right. It is a testament to the enduring power of myth and its ability to inspire and unite.