National Emblem of Indonesia - History

History

Garuda, the vehicle (vahana) of Vishnu appears in many temples of ancient Indonesia. Temples such as Mendut, Borobudur, Sajiwan, Prambanan, Penataran, Belahan, and Sukuh depict the images (bas-relief or statue) of Garuda. In Prambanan temple complex there is a single temple located in front of Vishnu temple, dedicated to Garuda. However there is no statue of Garuda inside the chamber today. In the Shiva temple, also in Prambanan complex, there is a relief telling an episode of Ramayana about Garuda's nephew who also belongs to the bird-god race, Jatayu, tried to rescue Sita from Ravana's hand. The deified statue of King Airlangga depicted as Vishnu mounting Garuda from Belahan, probably the most famous statue of Garuda from ancient Java. Now the statue is one of the important collection of Trowulan Museum.

Garuda appear in many traditions and stories, especially in Java and Bali. In many stories Garuda symbolizes the virtue of knowledge, power, bravery, loyalty, and discipline. As the vehicle of Vishnu, Garuda also bears the attributes of Vishnu, which symbolize preservation of cosmic order. Balinese tradition venerated Garuda as "the lord of all flying creatures", and "the majestic king of birds". In Bali, Garuda traditionally portrayed as a divine creature with head, beak, wings, and claw of an eagle, while has the body of a human. Usually portrayed in intricate carving with golden and vivid colors, as the vehicle of Vishnu or in battle scene against Nāga (dragon) serpents. The important and noble position of Garuda in Indonesian tradition since ancient times has venerated Garuda as the national symbol of Indonesia, the embodiment of Indonesian ideology, Pancasila. Garuda also chosen as the name of Indonesian national airlines, Garuda Indonesia. Next to Indonesia, Thailand also uses the Garuda as its national symbol.

After the Indonesian National Revolution 1945-1949, followed by the acknowledgement of the independence Indonesia from The Netherlands in 1949, there is a need to create a national national emblem of United States of Indonesia. In 10 January 1950 the Committee of State Seal was formed, under coordination of Sultan Hamid II of Pontianak as the State Minister Zonder Porto Folio, with Muhammad Yamin as the chairman, and Ki Hajar Dewantoro, M A Pellaupessy, Moh Natsir, and RM Ng Purbatjaraka as committee members. The committee task is to select the proposals of United States of Indonesia national emblem to be presented to the government.

According to Mohammad Hatta in his memoire "Bung Hatta Menjawab" to fulfill the mandate of the Cabinet, Minister Priyono had launched the design competition. After the competition was held, there were two proposed designs selected as the finalist; one is the work of Sultan Hamid II and the other one is the work of Muhammad Yamin. In further process the design proposed by Sultan Hamid II was accepted by both People's Consultative Assembly (DPR) and the Government, while the M. Yamin's design was rejected because featuring shining sun emblem that deemed clearly demonstrate the influence of Japanese Empire. Sukarno as The President of United States of Indonesia together with Mohammad Hatta as the Prime Minister, asked Sultan Hamid II to change the red and white ribbon being hold by Garuda talons to white scroll bearing the national motto "Bhineka Tunggal Ika". In 8 February 1950 the design created by Sultan Hamid II was presented to President Sukarno. The design featuring Garuda in its anthropomorphic form, similar to traditional depiction of Garuda in ancient Javanese, Balinese and Siamese art. However Masyumi Islamic party expressed their objection and stated that the bird with human neck and shoulders with both hands holding Pancasila shield was too mythical.

Sultan Hamid II edited his design and proposed the new version, this time discarding the anthropomorphic form, the eagle-like Garuda was done in stylized naturalistic style and named Rajawali (eagle) Garuda Pancasila. President Sukarno presented this design to the cabinet and Prime Minister Hatta. According to AG Pringgodigdo in his book "Sekitar Pancasila" published by Département of Defense and Security, the improved design of Garuda Pancasila by Sultan Hamid II was officially adopted in United States of Indonesia Cabinet Assembly on 11 February 1950. At that time the Rajawali Garuda Pancasila was still "bald" without crest crowning its head like current version. President Sukarno introduced the national national emblem of Indonesia to the public at Hotel Des Indes, Jakarta, on 15 February 1950.

Sukarno continued to improve the design of Garuda Pancasila. In 20 March 1950 Sukarno ordered the palace artist Dullah to done several improvements; such as the addition of crest and the change of talons position to the scroll, under suggestion of Sukarno. It was believed that Sukarno suggested the crest addition because the "bald" Garuda was considered too similar to the bald eagle of United States. Finally Sultan Hamid II gave the final touch and create the official national emblem rules on scale and color guide. The design of this last version was still remain the same eversince, and officially recognized and used as the national national emblem of the Republic of Indonesia.