One Piece Flag Raised Ahead of Indonesian Independence Day, Experts and State Officials Urge Respect for National Symbols
Jakarta – Ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day celebrations, the phenomenon of raising the Jolly Roger flag, the pirate icon from the popular manga and anime series One Piece, has attracted public attention.
Parahyangan University sociologist, Garlika Martanegara, believes that the widespread raising of the One Piece flag is a reflection of the decline in nationalism and digital literacy.
Garlika explained that the trend of flying pirate flags occurred due to a lack of understanding of history and a decrease in national education.
“When entering class, you had to salute the flag, but that’s gone. There’s no P4 training. That’s the result,” he added.
This phenomenon, he added, confirms that nationalism cannot be considered a toy.
The Minister of Human Rights (HAM), Natalius Pigai, emphasized that the ban on flying the One Piece flag parallel to the Red and White flag is important to maintain the honor of the state symbol and avoid potential violations of the law, which could even lead to treason.
According to Pigai, the ban on flying the One Piece flag alongside the Red and White flag is not a form of restriction on freedom of expression, but rather a firm step in maintaining national security.
“This is a concrete manifestation of respect for national symbols. It shouldn’t be compared to fictional flags like the One Piece flag, especially during a significant moment like the 80th Indonesian Independence Day,” Pigai said.
Pigai also said that the ban on this fictional flag is in accordance with the principles of international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which has been ratified through Law Number 12 of 2005.
“This law gives the state the right to act to maintain national stability and sovereignty,” he said.
On a different occasion, Yakob Fiobetauw, Chairman of the Jayapura Regency Branch Leadership Council of the Red and White Front (DPC BMP), appealed to the public not to follow the trend of flying the One Piece pirate flag together with the Red and White flag.
He assessed that the call to refuse to fly the Red and White flag throughout Indonesia and also the call to fly the One Piece flag was inappropriate at the momentum of the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence.
“Therefore, we from the Red and White Front (BMP) of Jayapura Regency urge all Indonesian people, especially those in Papua and especially in Jayapura Regency, not to be provoked by invitations and negative issues that could damage our country’s sovereignty,” Yakob urged.
He invited all citizens of the Republic of Indonesia wherever they are, to fly the Red and White flag from Sabang to Merauke.
Similarly, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, also asked the public not to be provoked by this movement.
“As a great nation that respects history, we should all refrain from provoking us with symbols that are not relevant to the nation’s struggle,” said Budi.
