JAKARTA – The government has stressed the importance of upholding respect for national symbols, particularly the Red-and-White Flag (Merah Putih), following the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
This statement comes after a viral phenomenon on social media showing the hoisting of pirate flags from the Japanese anime series One Piece during Independence Day commemorations.
Several posts showed the pirate flag being raised alongside, and even above, the Merah Putih.
The government considers this inappropriate, emphasizing that freedom of expression must not come at the expense of national symbols.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that while the government does not prohibit people from expressing themselves through popular culture, such expressions must not compete with the dignity of the Merah Putih.
“We urge all citizens, especially the younger generation, to respect national symbols. Creativity is welcome, but it must not cross the boundaries of national ethics. The Red-and-White Flag is a symbol of sovereignty. Nothing may be placed alongside it, let alone above it,” Prasetyo said.
He also highlighted the legal aspect, noting that Law No. 24 of 2009 explicitly prohibits the use of non-national flags in ways that could undermine the meaning of Independence Day.
“This is not about liking or disliking foreign culture. We are commemorating the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. National symbols must take precedence and be respected by all,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan warned that raising pirate flags during Independence Day could provoke unrest.
“As a great nation that values history, we should all restrain ourselves from using symbols irrelevant to the nation’s struggle,” he said.
Budi assured that the government would take firm action against any party deliberately spreading narratives that demean the Merah Putih, reminding the public of potential criminal consequences under Article 24(1) of Law No. 24/2009.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, also urged the public not to pit the Merah Putih against the One Piece flag.
“From the start I have said there is no need for such confrontation. There are attempts to create division, especially since many in the older generation are unfamiliar with One Piece,” he said.
Dasco reaffirmed that the Merah Putih remains the sole national flag to be raised during Independence Day.
“This matter is clear and should no longer be debated. Let us celebrate independence with a spirit of unity and nationalism,” he emphasized.