By: Naufal Raditya
The phenomenon of raising flags bearing pirate skull images, inspired by Japanese pop culture, continues even after the 80th Independence Day celebration of the Republic of Indonesia. This situation draws concern because it conflicts with the values of nationalism, especially when national symbols should be honored wholeheartedly. The Red and White flag symbolizes sovereignty, unity, and the sacrifices of national heroes, and must always be protected from foreign cultural trends. This phenomenon reminds us that nationalism is not merely a symbol but also a behavior embedded in daily life.
The independence celebration should be a moment to reaffirm love for the homeland and strengthen togetherness. However, the fact that the pirate flag phenomenon still occurs shows the need for deeper education about the meaning of national symbols. Education and creative content emphasizing patriotism are crucial so the younger generation continues to love the Red and White flag while enjoying modern entertainment. Extracurricular activities at schools, such as national flag design competitions, exhibitions on the nation’s struggle history, and digital campaigns about the Red and White, can be effective tools to instill national values.
Member of the Indonesian Parliament (DPR RI), Herman Khaeron, stated that raising pirate flags during the independence commemoration is clearly inappropriate. He emphasized that cultural expression deserves space but must not obscure the meaning of national symbols. According to him, the independence moment should be used to strengthen unity and support national development.
Herman also added that under President Prabowo’s leadership, the government has launched various pro-people programs such as Free Nutritious Meals, People’s Schools, Red and White Village Cooperatives, and Red and White Festivals at the district and city levels. These programs aim to strengthen national independence and deliver equitable welfare. He believes the energy of the youth should be directed to support development agendas, not caught up in controversial cultural trends.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi said that public criticism and aspirations remain important but must be expressed with dignity and constructiveness. The creativity of the nation’s youth is indeed commendable, but must not diminish the sanctity of the Red and White as the nation’s unifying symbol. He said maintaining the dignity of state symbols is a shared responsibility of all citizens without exception.
Furthermore, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafi’i said this phenomenon should be viewed from the perspective of popular culture beloved by youth. He understands the appeal of anime and manga filled with values of struggle, freedom, and resistance against injustice. However, he stressed that these values should be used to strengthen love for the homeland, not replace national identity.
Romo also encouraged packaging stories of national heroism in modern forms such as films, comics, or digital content. This way, the younger generation can enjoy global culture while gaining closer knowledge of their country’s history. He is optimistic that Indonesia’s heroic narratives can compete with foreign stories if creatively and relevantly presented.
The government has also prepared various programs to strengthen nationalism and national awareness, such as the Pancasila Student Profile, Red and White cultural festivals in schools, digital creation contests themed on heroes, and online educational platforms about the nation’s struggle history. These programs provide space for youth creativity while instilling pride in the Red and White. Children and teenagers are invited to positively and proudly understand the state symbol.
The ongoing pirate flag phenomenon is a reminder that nationalism must be continuously preserved. Global culture may color society’s life but must not cross the line of respect for the state symbol. The Red and White flag is non-negotiable, and every form of creativity must prioritize the nation’s flag above all else.
Law enforcement actions against raising pirate flags should be understood as efforts to uphold the nation’s dignity. The state is not anti-creativity but reminds that freedom of expression must not sacrifice national values. Criticism can still be channeled through healthy democratic mechanisms without tarnishing the unifying national symbol.
Going forward, strengthening the narrative of nationalism can be done more innovatively. Cultural festivals, hero-themed films, creative digital contests, and educational content can help ground love for the Red and White. The younger generation will become prouder of their nation’s history and be better prepared to face the rapid tide of globalization. This effort also strengthens cultural resilience and solidifies national identity.
The spirit of nationalism inherited from the nation’s founders is a foundation that must not be eroded by fleeting trends. After the August 17 celebrations, all elements of the nation have a moral responsibility to uphold the honor of the Red and White. Only through unity and love for the homeland can Indonesia face global challenges without losing its identity.
The Red and White is the soul of the nation that must always be guarded wholeheartedly. Popular culture may color society’s life but must never surpass the sanctity of the state symbol. After the independence celebrations, let us reaffirm our commitment that loyalty to the Red and White is non-negotiable. With strong nationalism, Indonesia will stand tall as a free, sovereign, and respected nation.
*) The author is a Social Issues Analyst