JAKARTA — The act of raising the One Piece flag has been seen as a form of public creativity that poses no harm, as long as it does not cross the boundaries of national values and norms.
Ahead of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the Jolly Roger flag of the Straw Hat Pirates was spotted in various areas.
This prompted responses from several public figures, who viewed the action as a creative expression by the public—as long as it respects national values and does not cross the line.
Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, expressed his confidence that the Indonesian people’s love for the national flag, Merah Putih, remains strong and irreplaceable.
“I believe the Indonesian people’s love for the Merah Putih will never be replaced by anything. I’m confident in that,” Muzani stated.
He viewed the act as an expression rooted in nationalism and gratitude for the nation’s 80 years of independence.
“I see it as a creative expression, an expression of innovation. But at its heart is Merah Putih, its spirit is Merah Putih—it’s a form of gratitude to God,” he said.
Muzani reminded the public to always fly the Merah Putih flag as a mark of respect for the struggles of Indonesia’s heroes.
“As a form of gratitude, we hope that all Indonesian citizens reflect on what the nation’s founders have done by proudly raising the Merah Putih,” he emphasized.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, echoed the sentiment, stating that the display of the Jolly Roger flag is not an issue as long as it is not used to divide the nation.
“Well, actually we’ve said before that the flag itself isn’t a problem,” said Dasco on Monday (August 4, 2025).
He emphasized that such expressions must stay within the framework of national identity and not go too far.
“Overall, when it comes to creatively raising or using the One Piece flag, we don’t see a problem,” he said.
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, also reminded the public that creativity should not tarnish the sanctity of Independence Day.
“As the government—and all of us—we hope that this month of August will not be tainted by things that undermine its sacredness,” said Prasetyo at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta.
He acknowledged the importance of freedom of expression, but urged that such expressions remain respectful of national values.
“Creativity is indeed a form of freedom of expression,” he affirmed, while also stressing that any action that undermines the sanctity of Independence Day is inappropriate.