Maintaining the dignity of the Red and White Flag, the One Piece Flag Provocation Must Be Rejected
JAKARTA – The phenomenon of raising the One Piece pirate flag ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia has drawn serious attention from various groups. Although considered an expression of popular culture, the raising of a non-state flag during state occasions is considered to undermine the meaning and sanctity of national symbols.
The chairman of the Ansor NU Cyber Agency, Ahmad Luthfi, warned that flying flags other than the Red and White during independence celebrations could obscure the spirit of nationalism.
“National symbols like the Red and White must not be overshadowed by any popular culture,” Ahmad Luthfi stressed.
He added that the commemoration of independence should be interpreted with pride in the nation’s identity, not by imitating foreign symbols, especially those that do not reflect the values of the struggle.
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PKB faction, Anna Mu’awanah, appealed to all parties to be aware of the phenomenon of the widespread raising of the One Peace flag in various regions, especially before and during the month of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.
“I’m worried that if we ignore it, things like this could erode the younger generation’s sensitivity to the symbols of struggle and national identity,” said Anna.
According to Anna, excessive pop culture expression can be a hidden threat to the sense of love for the homeland.
“We must not lose our historical footing and national identity in the name of freedom of expression,” he said.
He believes that the pirate flag, although originating from entertainment culture, has a negative image and should not be used in a national context.
Furthermore, legal activist Mohammad Trijanto, SH, MM, MH, assessed that raising a fictitious symbol in place of the national flag was a serious act.
“Replacing the Indonesian flag with a fictional pirate flag from a foreign culture is an act of constitutional abuse and a degradation of national dignity. This is not a matter of creativity; it’s a violation of the law,” said Trijanto.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), invited the public to return to the noble value of unity.
“The Red and White flag is a symbol of the unity and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation,” said Ibas.
According to him, respect for national symbols is a form of appreciation for the long history of the struggle for independence and the foundation of national unity.
Likewise, the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, also emphasized the importance of installing appropriate state attributes.
“We must focus on the future of this commemoration of Indonesian independence, so our flag must be the main priority,” said Fadli Zon.
He hopes that the August 17th celebrations will be filled with a spirit of complete nationalism and respect for the national symbols that have united the nation for eight decades.
