Jakarta – The government and several national figures have warned the public to be wary of provocations through the use of pop culture symbols, particularly the raising of One Piece-themed pirate flags, which are considered to violate the sanctity of national symbols, particularly during the independence celebrations. This controversy has sparked public concern because it has the potential to obscure the meaning of the independence celebrations.
Legal figure and anti-corruption activist Mohammad Trijanto believes that replacing the Indonesian flag with a fictional flag like One Piece constitutes constitutional abuse with legal consequences. He believes that Article 66 of Law Number 24 of 2009 expressly prohibits insulting the national flag.
“Replacing the Red and White flag—a sacred symbol of national sovereignty—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,” Trijanto asserted.
He added that national symbols are not just cloth, but also legal identity and national honor. To that end, he initiated the formation of the National Symbols Monitoring Network in various regions, encouraging civil society to participate in safeguarding the honor of the Red and White.
“If this nation is unable to maintain the honor of the Red and White, don’t expect to be respected by other nations,” he concluded.
Similarly, the Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, emphasized that the ban on flying flags other than the Red and White is a strategic step to maintain national integrity.
“This ban is an effort to protect national symbols as a form of respect for the country,” he said.
Pigai assessed that such actions could even be categorized as symbolic treason if flown alongside or in place of the Red and White. He cited the UN-recognized International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which legitimizes the state’s right to restrict expression that could potentially endanger national stability.
The Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, also appealed to the public to be wiser in welcoming the independence celebrations.
“We must focus on commemorating Indonesia’s independence. There should be no misinterpretation. We should prioritize the red and white flag everywhere,” said Fadli.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a solemn atmosphere and the spirit of nationalism ahead of the peak of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations.
“We want Indonesia’s 80th anniversary of independence to be celebrated massively. We must not allow any disruption, especially with symbols that not everyone understands,” he added.
With the commemoration fast approaching, this call serves as a reminder to the public to place national symbols in a place of honor and to distance celebrations from provocations that could potentially divide national unity.
