Jakarta – As Indonesia marks the 80th Anniversary of Independence in August 2025, it is crucial for the public to safeguard the honor of national symbols, particularly the Red and White flag (Merah Putih), amid the viral trend of raising pirate flags from the anime series One Piece on social media. This phenomenon has sparked various responses, especially regarding the balance between freedom of expression and respect for the nation’s official symbols.
Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), stated that he recognizes the One Piece flag as a form of creativity and popular culture expression. However, he emphasized that the use of the national flag is firmly regulated by law.
“We are all responsible for safeguarding the honor of national symbols, while still providing space for healthy and constructive dialogue. Let us celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Independence with enthusiasm, remain critical, yet always prioritize the unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation,” said Ibas.
He urged all parties, especially the youth, to make Independence Day a moment to strengthen love for the homeland, preserve unity, uphold national symbols, and foster constructive dialogue.
“We understand the spirit of creativity and the appreciation for popular culture. However, we must always remember that the Red and White flag is a symbol of unity and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation,” he added.
The Democratic Party politician further underlined that the Merah Putih is not just an ordinary symbol, but also a representation of the nation’s long struggle, a reminder of Pancasila values, and a strong emblem of national spirit uniting all Indonesians.
“As we approach the 80th Anniversary of Independence on August 17, 2025, let us uphold the Merah Putih as a true expression of patriotism and respect for our heroes,” Ibas asserted.
Echoing Ibas’ remarks, Central Kalimantan Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) Commission III member, Hero Harappano Mandouw, reminded that independence celebrations must be carried out with dignity and order.
“We all want to celebrate independence joyfully, but we must not let this euphoria make us forget the nation’s noble values,” he said.
Hero also addressed the viral trend of raising the One Piece pirate flag, stressing that there must be no attempts to replace or diminish the national symbol, the Merah Putih, which was fought for by the nation’s forefathers.
“The Red and White flag is our identity and pride as Indonesians. No party should attempt to replace it with any other symbol, under any pretext,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Branch in Pringsewu Regency, H. Muhammad Faizin, reminded that the national flag is not merely a piece of colored cloth, but a symbol of sovereignty, struggle, and national honor. While he acknowledged that flying fictional symbols beneath the Merah Putih may be intended as entertainment, he warned that such acts risk misinterpretation and undermine the sanctity of the national symbol.
“As our nation’s founders and heroes fought for it with blood and soul, it is only proper that we honor it with full awareness and reverence,” he said.
He further explained that from an Islamic perspective, respecting commonly agreed-upon symbols as expressions of shared values is part of ethics and wisdom.
“We greatly appreciate the creativity of young people, but such expressions must remain within the boundaries of ethics, propriety, and reverence—both in Islamic and national terms,” Faizin concluded.
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