Ibu Pertiwi means "Mother Earth" and is honored as the motherland of Indonesia. She is highlighted in many of the country's poetry and songs, including in these lyrics, often sung by children:
1st verse:
I see Mother Pertiwi,
She is in sorrow.
Your tears is flowing
Remembering your lost gold and diamonds.
Jungles, mountains, paddy fields, and the seas
Storing the richness.
Now mother is sad,
Sighing and praying
2nd verse:
I see Mother Pertiwi,
We come to serve you.
Behold your sons and daughters
Will make mother happy.
Mother, we still love you
Your faithful ones,
guarding the heirloom
For homeland and nation.
(Photo of statue at the Jakarta National Monument, by Gunkarta. Composer of song unknown.)
In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning
