All Indonesians know the symbol of the country that is Garuda Bird. If we look at the symbol of the Indonesian state, we will certainly imagine if the eagle is so dashing. Two large wings with a crest on his head strengthened the eagle's gallantry.
But what is the realization of a Garuda bird in the real world? Is it really a Garuda bird?
Quoted brilio.net from various sources, Thursday (1/10), Garuda is a mythological figure in the fairy tale Mahabharata. Garuda is described as a mighty bird, loyal to friends, and brave. Garuda bird is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu when traveling to the corner of the earth.
In Balinese tradition, Garuda is glorified as the great king of birds. In Bali he is usually described as a creature that has a head, a beak, wings, and eagle claws. But it has a human body and arms.
While the symbol of Garuda Pancasila made by six figures of Indonesia are incorporated in the committee making this symbol. They are Ki Hajar Dewantara, Muh Yamin, Sultan Hamid II, Raden Mas Ngabehi Poerbatjaraka, Moh Natsir, and MA Pellaupessy. Beyond them, there is a figure of foreign citizens who are also involved, namely Dirk Rühl Jr., citizens of German nationality.
Initially, the figure of the eagle in the state emblem has a bald head similar to the eagle's emblem of the United States. To be different, then added a crest to the head of the bird. The addition of this crest is done by Dirk Rühl Jr who is a semiotics expert and symbol expert.
The experts then look for birds that are considered representative of the strength and nature of Garuda birds. Of the many birds of Indonesia, there is one bird that is considered to have the characteristics of Garuda birds, the Javanese Eagle or Spizaetus bartelsi.
Javanese Eagle. Got the same characteristics with Garuda birds
Javanese eagles, including endemic birds of Java, are now increasingly difficult to find. Currently estimated there are less than 600 eagles in Java Island Java. One of the reasons that makes the Java eagle more rare is the process of egg-laying Javanese eagles that only lay eggs every two years. Therefore, the Indonesian Bird Agency then establishes the Javan Hawk eagle as an endangered bird.
But some are calling Garuda birds exist. It is said if there are 7 types of Garuda in the world, namely Garuda Harpy in South America as many as 4 types; Garuda monkey predator in the Philippines; Garuda kangaroo predators in West Papua and Papua New Guinea; And Garuda Haast (Harpgornis), a predator of mammals and humans in New Zealand. The Maori people in New Zealand named the great Haast Garuda as Hokioi. It is the scarcity that makes more opinions say if Garuda is not there.
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