Colour Theory

Colour Meaning

Red & White

Red and white (in the flag) is considered the sacred colour of the nation. It represents sacrifice and the struggle of the people striving toward their independence.


  • Passion
  • Energy

Red

The red band represents the courage and blood of the Indonesian people.


  • National events
  • Independence day

White

It represents purity and the spirits of the people. Forgiveness, peaceful, holy.


  • Weddings
  • Deaths

Black

Eminence, death, power, authority, dominance, courage.


  • Death
  • Elegance
  • Traditional

Blue

Calm, soft, loyalty, sincerity.


  • Batik
  • Dark blue: Ramadan, Idulfitri
  • Masculine

Green

Money, natural, cool, relaxing, calming.


  • Lebaran
  • Idulfitri
  • Christmas

Pink

Love, feminine, girly.


  • Feminine
  • Romance
  • Feminism

Brown

The colour used in Javanese batik humble, modest, earthy, warm.


  • Traditional Javanese
  • Earthy

Yellow

Bright, energetic.

From the colonial era, used for deaths.


  • Deaths
  • Food
  • Drink

Top Colour Groups

Bright Vibrant

  • Good to use in general
  • Celebrations
  • Birthdays


Soft Pastels

  • Students
  • Children

Neutrals

  • Fashion
  • Paints, interiors


Warm

  • Beauty
  • Food and drink

Earthy

  • Fashion
  • Paints, interiors


Deep Traditional + Gold

  • Traditional clothing like batik pattern

Monochrome

  • Fashion

Be careful when using certain colours...

It's almost impossible to list out every colour we should avoid for every events and ethnicity in Indonesia; since there are so many ethnic groups. There should be a further research on the colour and the specific occasion.

Shades of Red

Typically seen as the colours of life and celebration, so avoid this colour for death-related templates (applicable to most cultures). The same goes for other bright red shades, from hot pink to neon orange.

Shades of Blue

In some ethnic groups, like Gorontalo and Chinese, blue is traditionally seen as the colour of death or sadness. So best to avoid this colour for wedding celebrations.

Black

Generally seen as the colour of death and forces of evil. It is also used in sacred or formal occasions such as religious events and weddings.

White

Similar to black, this colour is widely used in religious ceremonies and weddings. It represents purity, spirituality and innocence; though it is also used as a sign of mourning in Bugis and Chinese culture.

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