National symbols of Indonesia

Indonesian national emblem is the Garuda with a heraldic shield on its chest and a scroll gripped by its leg.

First, the star in the middle symbolise sacred divinity, which means Indonesia is a state which is based on five recognised religions.

Third, the big beringin (banyan tree) with multitude of branches, leaves and roots symbolises diversity of Indonesian people that belongs into one organism, symbolises unity of Indonesia, as well as strong and steady stance and protection under the tree's shade.

The last one, rice and cotton ears as main grain yields in Indonesia symbolise the fulfilments of humans needs of food and clothing which means prosperity.

The Garuda claws gripping a white ribbon scroll inscribed with the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika written in black text, which can be loosely translated as "Unity in Diversity".

It is a quotation from an Old Javanese poem Kakawin Sutasoma, written by Mpu Tantular during the reign of the Majapahit empire sometime in the 14th century.

[5] The national flag of Indonesia, which is known as Sang Merah Putih ("The Red-and-White") in Indonesian,[6] is based on the banner of the 13th century Majapahit Empire in East Java.

The flag itself was introduced and hoisted in public at the Indonesian Independence Day ceremony, on 17 August 1945.

The song was introduced by its composer, Wage Rudolf Supratman, on 28 October 1928 during the Second Indonesian Youth Congress in Batavia.

[citation needed] It is an important architectural wonder and also World Heritage site recognised by UNESCO.

[citation needed] Other vernacular architectural features that often used to describe Indonesia are pagoda like multi-tiered Meru roof of Balinese temples, and traditional houses such as Minangkabau's Rumah Gadang and Torajan's Tongkonan.

Some of popular Indonesian artforms are Balinese dance, Angklung, Wayang, Gamelan and Keris.

The national costumes of Indonesia are also worn by guests attending Indonesian traditional wedding ceremonies.

[15] It may also be considered as the dishes that transcend cultural and ethnics differences, yet still retain common Indonesian cuisine traits.