National Music Day, Ministry of Culture Releases Vinyl Record of Indonesia Raya
In commemoration of National Music Day on March 9, 2025, the Ministry of Culture has released a vinyl record featuring eight (8) compilations of Indonesia Raya. This release is a form of tribute to W.R. Supratman, the composer of Indonesia Raya. The event, held at the Insan Berprestasi Building, Kemendikbud, Jakarta, was attended by artists, cultural figures, musicians, and representatives of the Wage Rudolf Supratman family.
The vinyl record contains recordings of various arrangements, including the first instrumental version played at the Second Youth Congress in 1928, the version circulated during the Japanese occupation, the version rearranged by Jos Cleber in 1951, and the versions that developed in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. This step is taken so that we can see how our national anthem has evolved over time.
In addition to releasing the vinyl record, the Ministry of Culture will also digitally release Indonesia Raya, which will be distributed to several schools and digital platforms.
A representative from the Wage Rudolf Supratman family, Budi Harry, appreciated the Ministry of Culture's initiative to release the vinyl record of 8 versions of the national anthem Indonesia Raya to keep it alive and not easily forgotten.
The Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, stated that, “the commemoration of National Music Day is not just about music as a cultural expression, but it is a symbol of the struggle and unity of the nation. March 9 was chosen as National Music Day to honor the composer of the national anthem, Wage Rudolf Supratman, who was born on March 9, 1903.”
Fadli Zon also reaffirmed his commitment to support the development of Indonesian music, both through the protection of intellectual property rights, music festivals, the digitization of traditional music, and other programs. Hopefully, Indonesian music will continue to develop, become a cultural strength, and serve as an instrument of cultural diplomacy on a global level.