Jakarta – The phenomenon of waving pirate flags themed after the anime One Piece during Independence Day has garnered public and academic attention. This trend, which has become widespread in public spaces and on social media, has sparked debate about the boundaries between pop culture expression and respect for national symbols. Supangat, an academic at the 17 August 1945 University (Untag) in Surabaya, believes that nationalism cannot be replaced by temporary viral trends.
“This phenomenon is clearly more than just a trend or pop culture phenomenon. Unfortunately, behind this creativity, nationalism is slowly being pushed aside by fictional narratives, social media algorithms, and the infatuation with virality,” said Supangat.
He acknowledged that the younger generation needs a space for expression, and that Indonesia is not against popular culture, including fictional works that convey messages of resistance. However, he emphasized that there are boundaries that must not be crossed. “The Red and White are not symbols that can be juxtaposed carelessly. When a fictional flag is flown alongside the national symbol, this is a shift in meaning that can obscure national values,” he stressed.
Supangat highlighted the role of digital algorithms in influencing public perception. He noted that recommendation systems on social media tend to repeat user preferences without allowing for educational or nationally valuable content. “This is what I call disorienting digital nationalism. National identity can lose its anchor if the public’s digital literacy is low,” he explained.
From the government’s perspective, calls to preserve national symbols have been widely voiced. Johan Rosihan, Secretary of the PKS faction in the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), believes that global culture shouldn’t be opposed, but it shouldn’t replace national symbols. He emphasized the importance of revitalizing national narratives relevant to the digital generation, ensuring the Red and White is present not only in ceremonies but also in digital creative spaces.
Concrete steps were also taken in the regions. South Kalimantan Police Chief Inspector General Rosyanto Yudha Hermawan, along with the Governor and the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), distributed 15,000 Indonesian flags to the public as a concrete invitation to celebrate independence. Meanwhile, the Head of the Makassar National Unity and Politics Agency, Fatur Rahim, encouraged residents to fly the Indonesian flag at every home throughout August as a symbol of national pride.
Supangat emphasized that the biggest challenge today isn’t simply banning fictional flags, but rather restoring the Red and White flag’s prominence in the digital space. “Digital platforms should incorporate national content into their core algorithms. Technology must support national values,” he said.
The momentum leading up to the 80th Indonesian Independence Day is an opportune time to strengthen nationalism amidst the strong currents of global culture. Honoring the Red and White means upholding the nation’s honor. In both real and virtual spaces, this flag must continue to fly as a symbol of Indonesian unity and identity.
