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Yogyakartans to hear 'Indonesia Raya' every morning in public spaces, offices
Public places as well as offices of government agencies and private businesses in Yogyakarta are encouraged to play the national anthem Indonesia Raya every 10 a.m. as an effort to increase the nationalism spirit.
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T
he Yogyakarta administration has urged all government offices and public spaces across the province to play the national anthem “Indonesia Raya” every morning as an effort to “increase the spirit of nationalism”.
In a circular issued on Tuesday, Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono X, who is also the Yogyakarta sultan, addressed all regents and mayors, government regional office heads, as well as private business owners and encouraged them to play the national anthem every day at 10 a.m.
The program kicked off on Thursday, coinciding with the celebration of National Awakening Day on May 20. The administration played “Indonesia Raya” in several public spaces, including the Yogyakarta Palace and Beringharjo Market.
Read also: Transjakarta to play ‘Indonesia Raya’ on buses and bus stops to celebrate Independence Day
In Beringharjo Market, vendors and visitors stopped their activities and stood while listening to the national anthem, tempo.co reported.
The program was part of the Indonesia Raya Bergema (Echoing Indonesia Raya) movement initiated by the Yogyakarta Society Forum for Indonesia and the provincial administration.
“It is necessary to play the national anthem of “Indonesia Raya" in order to increase the spirit of nationalism and strengthen the unity and integrity of the nation and the republic,” Hamengkubuwono wrote in the circular as quoted by kompas.com.
When the national anthem is played in public spaces, all occupants will be obliged to stand up and show their respect for the anthem, said Yogyakarta regional secretary spokesperson Imam Pratanadi.
“We require all offices under the provincial administration to implement the policy. For the private sector and region-owned enterprises, it’s not mandatory, but we strongly urge them to also follow the policy,” he said.
Hamengkubuwono said the administration would evaluate the public’s reaction to the program to look for other means to increase the people’s sense of nationalism.
Read also: Ethnicity is futile. It's time for Indonesia to move towards civic nationalism
Ganjar Pranowo, the governor of neighboring Central Java, appreciated and supported the program. He urged Central Java residents to also participate in singing the national anthem on National Awakening Day on Thursday.
“The sultan is inviting us to experience Indonesia’s journey through listening [and singing] our national anthem. This is really inspiring,” Ganjar said in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel on Wednesday.
He added that routinely singing the national anthem could help evoke the spirit of nationalism and underline the importance of unity in the country.
