Merah / Putih
Red / White
Red and white are the colors of the Indonesian flag! 'Merah putih' is another name for the flag itself — a phrase every Indonesian knows by heart.
Learn the colors "Merah" (Red) and "Putih" (White) in Indonesian. These Bahasa Indonesia color words are especially meaningful — together they form the name of Indonesia's beloved national flag.
💬Example Sentences
Ada warna merah?
Do you have it in red?
Saya suka baju putih itu.
I like that white shirt.
Merah putih adalah warna bendera Indonesia.
Red and white are the colors of the Indonesian flag.
🏭Cultural Context
"Merah putih" is one of the most powerful phrase combinations in Indonesian — it refers to the national flag, a simple red-and-white bicolor. The flag, called Sang Merah Putih (The Red and White), flies everywhere across the archipelago and is treated with deep reverence. Red symbolizes courage and the body; white symbolizes purity and the spirit. During Independence Day (August 17th, celebrated with enormous national pride), red and white decorations appear everywhere. Knowing these two colors connects you to Indonesian national identity in a meaningful way. Colors in Indonesian shopping are also essential — markets sell fabrics, clothing, and crafts in a riot of colors, and knowing color names lets you ask for exactly what you want.