Kisah WR Supratman Pencipta Lagu Indonesia Raya yang Tak Sempat Rasakan Kemerdekaan

Summary

Wage Rudolf Supratman, born on March 9, 1903, is a renowned figure in Indonesian history, best known as the composer of the national anthem 'Indonesia Raya.' Originally a journalist and author, Supratman’s music was deeply inspired by the national movement. His first patriotic song, 'Dari Barat Sampai Ke Timur,' led to the creation of 'Indonesia Raya,' which was first played during the 1928 Youth Congress. Despite facing political repression from the Dutch colonial government, Supratman’s music became a symbol of Indonesia’s fight for independence. His legacy endures with numerous iconic songs, and his prophetic belief in Indonesia’s independence was realized in 1945, the year of his passing.

Takeaways

• 😀 WR Supratman, born on March 9, 1903, is the composer of Indonesia Raya and a renowned figure in Indonesian music history.
• 😀 March 9 is celebrated as National Music Day in Indonesia, marking the birth date of WR Supratman.
• 😀 WR Supratman originally worked as a journalist and author, not just a composer.
• 😀 'Indonesia Raya' was first performed on October 28, 1928, at the closing of the Youth Congress, using only a violin without lyrics to avoid Dutch interference.
• 😀 The song was later fully performed with lyrics at the Indonesian National Party Congress in December 1929.
• 😀 In 1930, 'Indonesia Raya' was officially adopted as the national anthem of Indonesia.
• 😀 The Dutch colonial authorities banned the song in 1930 because of its lyrics, which included the word 'Merdeka' (freedom), which they found threatening.
• 😀 WR Supratman was arrested by the Dutch in 1938 due to his song 'Matahari Terbit,' which they believed supported Japan's imperialism, though the charges were later dropped.
• 😀 After his release from prison, WR Supratman fell seriously ill and passed away, but he predicted Indonesia's independence seven years before it occurred.
• 😀 WR Supratman's passing on August 17, 1938, coincided with Indonesia's proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945, fulfilling his prophecy.
• 😀 WR Supratman composed numerous patriotic songs, including 'Dari Barat Sampai Ke Timur,' 'Bendera Kita,' 'Bangunlah Hai Kawan,' 'Ibu Kita Kartini,' and 'Matahari Terbit.'

Q & A

Who is Wage Rudolf Supratman, and what is his significance in Indonesian history?

Wage Rudolf Supratman, commonly known as WR Supratman, was a renowned composer and musician in Indonesia. He is most famous for composing the Indonesian national anthem, 'Indonesia Raya.' Supratman is celebrated for his contributions to Indonesia's independence movement, particularly through his music.

When is WR Supratman’s birthday, and why is it significant?

WR Supratman was born on March 9, 1903. His birthday is celebrated as National Music Day in Indonesia to honor his contributions to music, especially his creation of 'Indonesia Raya.'

What was WR Supratman’s profession besides being a composer?

Apart from being a composer, WR Supratman was also a journalist and a book writer. His work in journalism and literature contributed to his influence in Indonesia's independence movement.

What inspired Supratman to compose 'Indonesia Raya'?

WR Supratman was inspired to compose 'Indonesia Raya' after attending the 1928 Youth Congress (Kongres Pemuda 2). He was deeply moved by the speeches of national leaders like M. Tabrani and Sumarto, which focused on the ideals of a unified Indonesia.

When and where was 'Indonesia Raya' first performed?

'Indonesia Raya' was first performed on October 28, 1928, during the closing ceremony of the Second Youth Congress (Kongres Pemuda 2). Initially, it was played only with a violin, without lyrics, to avoid political repression from the Dutch colonial authorities.

Why were the lyrics of 'Indonesia Raya' not performed at first?

The lyrics of 'Indonesia Raya' were not performed initially because of the fear of Dutch repression. The Dutch colonial authorities were sensitive to nationalist movements, and the lyrics, particularly the word 'Merdeka' (freedom), were seen as subversive.

When was the first public performance of the lyrics of 'Indonesia Raya'?

The first public performance of the lyrics of 'Indonesia Raya' occurred on December 30, 1929, during a meeting of the Indonesian National Party (PNI). This marked a significant step in establishing the anthem as a symbol of Indonesia's independence struggle.

What role did WR Supratman play in Indonesia’s struggle for independence?

WR Supratman played a key role in Indonesia’s independence movement through his music. His composition, 'Indonesia Raya,' became a rallying cry for national unity and was later adopted as the national anthem of Indonesia.

What happened to WR Supratman during the Dutch colonial period?

WR Supratman faced repression from the Dutch authorities due to his nationalist music. He was arrested in 1938 by the Dutch for his song 'Matahari Terbit,' which was interpreted as supportive of Japan's imperial ambitions. However, the charges were unfounded, and he was later released.

What was WR Supratman’s final wish, and how was it fulfilled?

Before his death, WR Supratman expressed his belief that Indonesia would gain independence within seven years. This prophecy came true when Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, exactly seven years after Supratman’s passing.