Jakarta – The commemoration of Independence Day is always a moment to reaffirm love for the homeland.
The Red-and-White flag is not merely a piece of cloth fluttering in the wind, but the symbol of national unity.
However, during the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the phenomenon of raising the Jolly Roger flag from the One Piece manga drew attention from both the public and the government.
The Directorate General of Politics and General Governance (Polpum) of the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized the importance of making the Red-and-White the primary symbol.
Director General of Polpum, Bahtiar Baharuddin, stated that leading a nation in today’s turbulent global situation is not easy, and therefore society needs to strengthen the spirit of unity.
“It is not easy to lead a nation in an abnormal global situation — the challenges are enormous,” he said.
Bahtiar reminded the public that at 80 years of independence, Indonesians must stay focused on safeguarding national unity alongside the current government.
Although not prohibiting the One Piece flag, Bahtiar stressed that the Red-and-White must always be raised, as it is the unifying symbol of the nation.
“Please, everyone is free to express themselves, but the bond that ties us together is the Red-and-White Flag,” he emphasized.
The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, also urged the public to raise the Red-and-White simultaneously until August 31, 2025.
She stated that the Red-and-White is non-negotiable — the symbol of national identity that must be upheld. “Let us honor the month of independence by only raising the Red-and-White Flag,” said Khofifah.
Meanwhile, the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, considered that raising the Jolly Roger flag could be tolerated as long as the Red-and-White remains at the highest position.
“The important thing is that everyone must always place the Red-and-White Flag above. All other flags must be below it,” he said in Bandung.
Dedi emphasized that this rule is already clearly stated in the law. For him, public expression is acceptable as long as it remains rooted in love for Indonesia.
“Everyone may express themselves, but the most important thing is that all continue to love the Republic of Indonesia and its Red-and-White Flag,” he affirmed.
Both central and regional governments agree that regardless of the forms of expression shown by the people, the Red-and-White must never be replaced.
At the momentum of the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, the Red-and-White Flag must continue to fly as the main symbol of national unity.
