This is Garuda Pancasila, the Indonesian Coat of Arms. A coat of arms is a design that is used by a person, a group of people, or an institution to identify themselves with things that matter the most to them. Garuda is a mythical bird from Hindu and Buddhist tradition. It is a powerful bird, the mount of Vishnu (the Supreme God), and it liberated its mother from servitude. Thus, the founding fathers of Indonesia decided to use Garuda as the symbolism for the great struggle to liberate their motherland from colonization and imperialism.
Garuda carries Pancasila shield on its chest. Pancasila is the five basic principles for Indonesians. They are:
- The star: Believing in God.
- The golden chain: Just and civilized humanity.
- The big tree: The unity.
- The bull's head: Democracy.
- The paddy and cotton: Social justice.
Garuda's feet holds a banner, which says, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", which means "Unity in Diveristy." Indonesia is indeed a land of diversity, with more than 300 ethnic groups, and with more than 700 languages and dialects.
No comments:
Post a Comment