By: Indra Ginting
Rows of flags bearing skull images were seen flying in various regions ahead of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. This reflects the high level of creativity among Indonesians.
The government has never restricted, let alone prohibited, the expression of interests and talents, including creativity in any form. However, there are a few things to keep in mind—namely, creativity should not blur the true meaning of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebration.
The iconic visual from the popular anime One Piece, namely the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat crew, appeared in many corners of the city and caught public attention. Such expressions indeed represent the creative spirit of the people. However, Independence Day celebrations should still prioritize the meaning, symbols, and historical values of the nation with wisdom and respect.
The wave of public enthusiasm in expressing creative freedom deserves appreciation. Yet, when a national moment is overshadowed by fictional symbols like these, there must be collective wisdom in interpreting it.
The Red and White flag is not merely a piece of cloth with two colors. It holds within it long stories of sacrifice, struggle, and national identity that must not be covered up by the rise of popular culture trends such as One Piece.
Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, views the phenomenon of anime flag-raising as part of public innovation that should not be overly scrutinized. He strongly believes that the Indonesian people’s love for the Red and White will never be displaced by any symbol—especially those originating from abroad. He sees that the spirit of nationalism still resides in the hearts of the people, even if it is expressed in unconventional forms.
However, despite his openness to such expressions, Ahmad Muzani emphasizes the importance of always placing the national flag as a symbol of honor during state celebrations.
According to him, raising the Red and White flag on Independence Day is not only a form of respect for the nation’s heroes but also a reminder of the collective history of the nation. Therefore, all elements of society are expected to continue to uphold the Red and White as the main symbol during the Independence Day celebration.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, expressed a similar view with a more moderate approach. He does not see a major issue in the presence of the Jolly Roger flag as long as it is not used to provoke or create division.
He understands that symbols from international anime such as One Piece have strong appeal among the younger generation. However, the line between expression and respect for national symbols must be carefully maintained.
Dasco highlighted the importance of distinguishing between pure creativity and manipulative efforts that could harm the spirit of nationalism. He considers the raising of non-state flags during national celebrations acceptable as long as it does not displace the Red and White from its primary position.
When creativity is not intended to replace the national symbol, a space for tolerance can still be provided. But if foreign flags are used to deliver divisive messages, then corrective measures are necessary.
Furthermore, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi also issued a gentle reminder to the public. He appreciates the diversity of expression that arises within society, including from anime fan communities.
However, he emphasized the importance of preserving the sanctity of the independence commemoration. According to him, Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day is not merely a cultural festivity but a historic event whose dignity must be upheld.
Prasetyo warned that the spirit of independence must not be mixed with symbols that do not represent the nation’s struggle. He has no objection to creativity per se, but urged that all forms of expression stay within the boundaries of respect for national identity. According to him, the month of August is not a time to blur the meaning of the struggle but rather a collective moment to reaffirm our identity as a free nation.
The phenomenon of flying One Piece flags should be a reflection—not a controversy. Creativity in popular culture continues to grow, but national values must not fade amid the wave of digital trends. Flying fictional symbols during Independence Day is not a forbidden act as long as it does not displace the national emblem from its sacred place.
Honoring the Red and White does not require silencing freedom of expression. In fact, creative expression gains deeper meaning when it coexists with respect for the symbols of struggle.
In celebrating independence, the public has ample space to create and innovate. However, ethical boundaries must still be maintained so that the celebration does not lose its fundamental meaning.
Reviving the spirit of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day can be done in many ways. But upholding the national symbol remains a moral duty for all citizens. A creative celebration becomes more meaningful when it aligns the spirit of the times with the nation’s noble values.
Uplifting the Red and White in every form of independence commemoration is not only a legal obligation but also a form of respect for the long journey toward freedom. Cultural creations should not be used to obscure history but instead serve as a new medium to celebrate nationalism in a fresh, intelligent, and dignified way. (*)
National Security Researcher – Merdeka Center for Defense Studies
