Indonesia Revives Patriotic Songs for Younger Generations

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture is promoting the continued relevance of national and patriotic songs among the public, particularly younger generations, through a new arrangement of the classic song “Hari Merdeka.” The initiative was launched as part of celebrations marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day on Sunday, 16 August 2026.

The song, written by Indonesian composer Husein Mutahar in 1946, is one of the country’s well-known patriotic songs associated with the history of Indonesia’s independence struggle. The new arrangement was produced by musician and arranger Erwin Gutawa and performed by artists from different generations.

The project brought together veteran and contemporary singers, including Ahmad Albar, Ardhito Pramono, Harvey Malaihollo, Judika, Novia Bachmid, Rita Butar-butar, Ruth Sahanaya, Shabrina Leanor, Titiek Hamzah, and Vina Panduwinata. The cross-generational collaboration aims to give the song a fresh musical character while preserving its historical meaning and message.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon said Indonesia needs patriotic anthems that are increasingly relevant, appreciated, and embraced by the public amid the wide range of music available today. “We certainly need these songs because behind them there are stories, and the figures who created them were also people who took part in the struggle at that time,” Fadli said.

Fadli noted that younger generations, including millennials and Generation Z, need to be reintroduced to national and patriotic songs as part of efforts to preserve historical memory. He said the songs contain not only musical value but also stories about Indonesia’s national journey and the figures who contributed to it.

The minister said the new arrangement of “Hari Merdeka” would serve as an initial step toward revitalizing other patriotic songs. “Hari Merdeka may be the beginning, so songs such as 'Syukur', 'Dari Sabang Sampai Merauke', and others could also be interesting if performed by musicians from different generations,” he said.

The launch was part of a talk show and “Hari Merdeka” video premiere broadcast live by TVRI on Sunday, featuring Fadli Zon, Erwin Gutawa, and singers Harvey Malaihollo and Novia Bachmid. Following its television premiere, the newly arranged “Hari Merdeka” video was made available to the public through the Ministry of Culture’s YouTube channel.

The Ministry of Culture said music plays an important role in Indonesia’s cultural life, with patriotic songs serving not only as part of Independence Day celebrations but also as records of the nation’s history and collective memory. Through the rearrangement of “Hari Merdeka,” the ministry aims to ensure that patriotic songs remain relevant and continue to be heard and sung by current and future generations.