Don’t Be Provoked! People Could Be Criminally Penalized for Raising the One Piece Flag, Says Observer
Jakarta – Public policy observer Riko Noviantoro warned that flying the One Piece flag should not be viewed simply as a pop culture expression. Without understanding the applicable legal regulations, flying the fictional flag could actually result in criminal charges.
In the context of statehood, national symbols like the Red and White flag hold a status that cannot be equated with any fictional or pop culture symbol. “If violations of the Red and White flag are found, sanctions are potentially imposed. I hope the public understands this,” Riko Noviantoro told the media in Jakarta.
According to Riko, the public needs to be aware that the raising of the Red and White flag has been strictly regulated through Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the Flag, Language, and National Symbols as well as the National Anthem.
Article 21 of the law stipulates that if the national flag is flown together with other flags or symbols, the Red and White flag must be at the highest position and be the largest in size. “Personally, the One Piece flag cannot be displayed higher than the Red and White. Because the Red and White flag is part of the symbol of national unity,” said Riko Noviantoro. In addition to position and size, this law also prohibits any derogatory treatment of the national flag.
Article 66 is one of the articles that has strict criminal consequences for violations of the national flag. Article 66 states: “Anyone who damages, tears, tramples, burns, or commits other acts with the intention of desecrating, insulting, or degrading the honor of the National Flag shall be punished with a maximum imprisonment of 5 (five) years or a maximum fine of Rp. 500,000,000.00 (five hundred million rupiah).”
Thus, anyone who treats the Red and White flag disrespectfully, or flies another flag in a higher position than the Red and White, can be subject to criminal penalties if proven to have violated the law.
On the other hand, Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Faction in the MPR, Firman Soebagyo, said that raising the One Piece anime flag was an act that brought down the government.
Firman banned the action because it was considered part of a provocation aimed at overthrowing the government.
“This is clearly a provocation that will harm the nation and state. This is unacceptable. Therefore, it might even be part of treason. This is unacceptable. This must be dealt with firmly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon urged the public to be more judicious in displaying celebratory items for the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. He urged the public to focus on flying the Red and White flag during the commemoration.
“We must focus on this upcoming commemoration of Indonesian independence. Therefore, our flag must be our priority. We must avoid any misperceptions. Therefore, I think it would be wise for us to prioritize the display of red and white symbols everywhere,” said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon.
“The public should refrain from displaying symbols that could potentially cause disturbance or misinterpretation. During the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the atmosphere created should be solemn,” he concluded.
