[ALGERIA/INDONESIA] Djamila (sung by LEKRA Choir)

Details

Description

'Djamila' is an Indonesian song about Djamila Bouhired, Algerian independence fighter.

Indonesian government supported the Algerians in their war of independence; to the extent that it recognized Algerian sovereignity since 1956 (long before it gained independence in 1962) and also smuggled arms and ammunitions to be supplied to independence fighters. Djamila Bouhired, an icon of Algerian independence movement, gained some popularity in Indonesia, even nicknamed 'Srikandi Aljazair' (The Heroine of Algeria). The song 'Djamila' was composed in early 1960s by the famous Mochtar Embut, and sung by the choir of LEKRA (People's Cultural Institution).

As of 2020, Indonesia and Algeria maintain close ties. A statue of Soekarno, President of Indonesia in 1950s and 1960s (and a vocal supporter of Algerian independence) stands in Algiers city centre. Djamila Bouhired still lives.

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INDONESIAN LYRICS

Djamila, Djamila, Djamila!
Kau pahlawan darah Aljazair merdeka
Dera dan siksa kau derita
Dalam rantai belenggu penjajahan angkara

Hancur pun bela badan raga
Berlinang air mata
Namun tekadmu tetap nyala
Berkobar, mengobar di dada

Djamila, Djamila, Srikandi!
Darahmu yang suci, sumbangsih dalam bakti
Menjadi teladan nan tinggi
Aljazair merdeka, rahmat sakti Ilahi!

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ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Djamila, Djamila, Djamila!
You are a blood hero of independent Algeria
Beatings and tortures you had suffered
Shackled by the binding chains of colonial greediness

Even body to break, you're willing
And tears flowing from the eyes
But your determination stays lit
Burning, burning in the chest

Djamila, Djamila, heroine!
Your sacred blood is a devoted contribution
Becoming the highest example
Independent Algeria, sacred divine blessings!

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Disclaimer: All pictures used are not mine and credits should be given to the respective owners.