Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia’s red-and-white flag once faced objections from a European country shortly after the country gained independence in 1945.
The country was Monaco, whose national flag has the same two colors arranged horizontally. Despite the similarity, the two flags have different historical origins.
Indonesia’s Merah Putih carries deep historical and cultural significance. The colors are widely linked to the banners of the Majapahit Kingdom, which ruled parts of the Indonesian archipelago from the 13th century.
The colors also hold cultural meanings. In Javanese tradition, red and white are associated with gula merah (brown sugar) and white rice, two staple ingredients in Indonesian society.
The modern Indonesian flag was sewn by Fatmawati, the wife of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, ahead of the country’s independence.
Indonesia’s flag is formally regulated under Law No. 24 of 2009 on the national flag, language, emblem and anthem.
Why Does Indonesia’s Flag Look Like Monaco’s?
Monaco officially adopted its red-and-white horizontal flag on April 4, 1881, under Prince Charles III of the House of Grimaldi.
The colors originate from Monaco’s heraldic tradition. Its coat of arms features alternating red and white diamonds, with the colors appearing in the country’s flag.
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the similarity between the flags of Indonesia and Monaco is coincidental. Monaco’s use of red and white can be traced back centuries before Indonesia adopted its national flag.
Monaco Once Asked Indonesia to Change Its Flag
After Indonesia adopted the Merah Putih in 1945, Monaco reportedly objected to the similarity and asked Indonesia to change its national symbol.
Indonesia rejected the request, citing the historical origins of its flag and its connection to the Majapahit Kingdom.
The dispute did not lead to any change. Today, both flags fly at the United Nations, where their different proportions and historical identities distinguish them.
Indonesia’s flag uses a 2:3 ratio, while Monaco’s flag is slightly shorter at 4:5.
