Jakarta — The phenomenon of flying pirate flags inspired by the One Piece anime series, which has become widespread in several regions of Indonesia, has drawn serious attention from the public. This act is considered not only inappropriate but also potentially eroding the values of nationalism, especially when coinciding with the Indonesian Independence Day.
Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Youth National Committee (KNPI), Putri Khairunnisa, emphasized that the celebration of independence must not be mixed with foreign fictional symbols that could tarnish the meaning of the nation’s struggle.
“I strongly disagree with us following these silly actions that could divide our unity,” said Nisa, her familiar nickname.
She called on all KNPI regional administrators to proactively prevent the raising of pirate flags with black backgrounds and skulls wearing straw hats—the One Piece icon known as the “Jolly Roger”—which have gone viral on social media.
“Youth should not be passive, let alone indifferent. This is not a trivial matter. There are malicious parties seeking to damage the character and direction of our nation. We must resist,” Nisa asserted.
The phenomenon has sparked concern because in some cases, the One Piece flag has been flown side by side with, or even replacing, the Red and White Flag. This has ignited public debate regarding the boundary between freedom of expression through pop culture and the obligation to preserve the sanctity of national symbols.
Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party, Idrus Marham, also reminded the public not to blur the meaning of state symbols.
“This is not about hating foreign culture. It is about placing symbols in their proper context,” he said.
Idrus stressed that youth creativity remains important but must not cross the line to the extent of tarnishing the nation’s identity.
“If used at cosplay events or within communities, that’s fine. But if it replaces the position of the Red and White in August, that’s not just expression; it blurs our national identity,” he added.
Meanwhile, Special Staff to the Chairman of the BPIP Steering Council, Romo Haryatmoko, viewed this phenomenon as connected to how the younger generation expresses social unrest through popular culture.
“Fiction like One Piece is not merely entertainment. For its fans, it is a narrative about resistance against injustice and oppressive power,” Romo explained.
However, he stressed the importance of placing the national symbol in an honorable position.
“The Red and White Flag is a sacred symbol. If another flag is flown during the Independence moment, many may perceive it as desecration, not just personal expression,” he said.
Romo also reminded that disrespecting national symbols can have legal consequences.
“This regulation is not to limit freedom of expression but to preserve the honor of the national symbol fought for with the blood and tears of our heroes,” he affirmed.