Lyrics of 'Hari Merdeka', complete with its history and meaning
The song ‘Hari Merdeka’ has become one of the songs synonymous with the celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day every 17 August. The song, composed by Husein Mutahar, is known for its lyrics that stir the spirit of nationalism.
The song, also known by the title ‘17 Agustus’, was composed by Husein Mutahar in 1946, when Indonesia was still in the period of struggle to defend its independence. The song later became one of the works that continues to be sung in various independence commemorations.
Lyrics of the song Hari Merdeka
The song ‘Hari Merdeka’ depicts pride in Indonesia’s independence as well as the determination to defend the country.
The following are the lyrics:
Seventeen August forty-five
That is our day of independence
Day of independence of the nation and the people
Day of the birth of the Indonesian nation
Mer-de-ka
As long as life still dwells in the body
We remain loyal, remain ready
To defend Indonesia
We remain loyal, remain ready
To defend our country
The lyrics depict the spirit to defend independence and loyalty to Indonesia.
History of the creation of the song Hari Merdeka
‘Hari Merdeka’ was born in 1946 when Indonesia was still in the period of struggle to defend its independence. At that time, Husein Mutahar was in Yogyakarta and serving as an aide to President Soekarno.
In that situation, Soekarno asked Mutahar to compose a song for an aubade or song of homage. Mutahar then composed a song that began with the phrase ‘Seventeen August forty-five’.
The song has the character of a march with a fast tempo and stirring lyrics. The atmosphere of the struggle to defend independence at that time influenced the birth of the work.
The song ‘Hari Merdeka’ directly mentions the date 17 August 1945 as Indonesia’s day of independence. This makes the song easily recognisable and strongly connected to the commemoration of Indonesia’s Independence Day.
The march nuance and its spirited lyrics also mean ‘Hari Merdeka’ is often sung in ceremonies and community activities leading up to and on 17 August.
The figure of Husein Mutahar
Husein Mutahar was one of the figures who played a role in the history of Indonesia’s struggle. Besides composing ‘Hari Merdeka’, he is known as the composer of a number of other national songs.
Mutahar is also known as a figure who played a role in the history of the formation of the Pasukan Pengibar Bendera Pusaka (Paskibraka), the national flag-hoisting corps. He also played an important part in the rescue of the sacred Red and White Flag during the Second Dutch Military Aggression.
Husein Mutahar was born in Semarang on 5 August 1916 and died in Jakarta on 9 June 2004 at the age of 87.
Meaning of the song Hari Merdeka
In general, the song ‘Hari Merdeka’ contains a message about gratitude for independence, love for the nation, loyalty to the country, and the determination to defend Indonesia.
This message keeps Husein Mutahar’s work relevant in various independence commemoration activities. Every time it is sung, the song reminds the public of the struggle to defend independence after the Proclamation of 17 August 1945.