BRIN Apologises for Incorrect Garuda Image Upload; What are the Correct Regulations?
The official account of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has gone viral after uploading an incorrect image of the Garuda to commemorate the Birth of Pancasila. The rules regarding the Garuda as a national symbol are strictly regulated under existing legislation.
As reported, BRIN’s X (formerly Twitter) account initially posted the Garuda image on Monday morning (1/6/202_). However, the post drew significant criticism from netizens. The primary issue was that the uploaded image did not adhere to official standards, specifically regarding the number of feathers on the wings and tail. It is reported that BRIN used artificial intelligence (AI) to design the image.
What are the correct regulations for the Garuda image? The standards are stipulated in Law No. 24 of 2009 concerning the Flag, Language, National Emblem, and National Anthem. The correct specifications are as follows:
Head Direction and Shield: According to Article 46, the emblem of the Republic of Indonesia takes the form of Garuda Pancasila, with its head facing straight to the right. The shield, shaped like a heart, is suspended by a chain around the Garuda’s neck, and the motto ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ is written on a ribbon gripped by the Garuda.
Feather Count: Article 47 specifies the symbolic numbers within the feathers. The Garuda must have 17 feathers on each wing, 8 feathers on the tail, 19 feathers at the base of the tail, and 45 feathers on the neck. These numbers represent the date of Indonesia’s independence: 17, August (8), 1945.
Colour Scheme: Article 49 outlines the primary colours. The emblem must feature: red in the top right and bottom left of the shield; white in the top left and bottom right of the shield; golden yellow for the entire Garuda bird; black in the centre of the heart-shaped shield; and natural colours for the rest of the emblem.
Shield Symbols: The shield contains five symbols representing each principle of Pancasila: a star, a bull, a banyan tree, a chain, and rice and cotton.
BRIN Apologises: BRIN has apologised for the error, citing a lack of precision in the design process. “BRIN Indonesia expresses its deepest apologies for the error in the Pancasila Birth Day commemorative content that we shared,” the agency stated. “This serves as a lesson for us to be more meticulous, careful, and prudent in the creation and dissemination of content in the future.” BRIN thanked the public for their feedback and has since corrected and re-uploaded the design in accordance with the law.