Beware of the Dangers of Pirate Flag-Raising Phenomena That Tarnish the Momentum of Indonesian Independence Day Celebrations
*) By: Anwar Fahreza
The celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence on August 17, 2025, should have been a moment filled with enthusiasm, pride, and respect for the struggles of our heroes. However, amidst preparations for the celebration, the public was shocked by the viral phenomenon of raising the pirate flag from the anime series One Piece. This phenomenon, initially viewed by some as a form of pop culture creativity, has now raised concerns because it is considered to have the potential to undermine the sacred value of the independence commemoration and harm the honor of state symbols.
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has firmly urged the public not to fly the One Piece flag alongside or replace the Red and White flag ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day commemoration. She believes that the momentum of independence should be interpreted as a means to strengthen the spirit of nationalism and a sense of togetherness among all citizens, one of which is by raising the Red and White flag simultaneously and with pride. By making the Red and White a priority, she believes that the spirit of unity and independence will grow in the hearts of the people. For her, raising the national flag is not just a ceremonial ritual, but a form of respect for the history of the nation’s struggle.
Similarly, the Regent of West Lampung, Parosil Mabsus, also called for a ban on the raising of the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day celebrations. He considered such actions to have the potential to harm the honor of the national symbol that heroes had fought for with their blood and lives. Parosil reminded that the Red and White Flag is a valuable heritage that represents the nation’s dignity and sovereignty. Therefore, every citizen has a moral responsibility to protect it from attempts that could degrade its dignity. He invited all citizens to welcome the independence celebrations with pride, a spirit of maintaining unity, and a commitment to respecting national symbols.
This phenomenon is not simply about a cloth fluttering on a pole, but also concerns the deeper meaning of state symbols. Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, even assessed that the trend of raising the One Piece flag could be part of a systematic movement that has the potential to undermine national unity. According to him, although it may seem like a lighthearted act born of pop culture, its impact can go far beyond mere entertainment. State symbols, particularly the Red and White Flag, play a central role in shaping a sense of nationalism and strengthening social cohesion. Obscuring this meaning by replacing it or relegating it to secondary positions at important moments such as the commemoration of independence can lead to distorted values within society.
The government itself has taken preventative measures by issuing an official warning to the public not to replace or remove the Red and White Flag with other symbols, especially during independence celebrations. This measure is not intended to stifle creativity, but rather to ensure that Indonesian Independence Day celebrations remain within the bounds of respect for the constitution and the nation’s noble values. Unlawful flag raising can spark public debate, social friction, and even potentially violate laws governing the use of state symbols. Therefore, all parties are expected to work together to provide education and on-the-ground monitoring.
Popular culture holds immense appeal, especially for the younger generation. Series like One Piece have fostered loyal and creative fan communities. However, when pop culture symbols are used in meaningful national contexts, there needs to be a collective awareness that certain boundaries must be respected. Engaging fan communities to participate in independence celebrations in ways that comply with regulations could be a constructive solution. This way, creativity can flourish without sacrificing the dignity of national symbols.
The Red and White flag is not merely a visual symbol, but rather a representation of the long history of the Indonesian nation’s struggle. Red symbolizes courage, while white reflects the purity of heart and the noble intentions of the fighters. Replacing it with another symbol, even temporarily, could obscure the historical message that should be instilled in the younger generation. Respect for the flag is not merely a matter of protocol, but an effort to maintain the nation’s collective memory, ensuring its steadfastness amidst the tides of globalization and the intrusion of foreign cultures.
It’s important to remember that constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression always carries with it moral and legal responsibilities. Creative expression that touches on state symbols requires sensitivity to agreed-upon shared values. Raising the One Piece flag during Indonesian Independence Day, while likely intended for fun, still has the potential to be interpreted negatively and spark controversy. The public is expected to be able to distinguish between space and context, so that pop culture expressions can be appropriately placed without disrupting sacred state celebrations.
The Red and White flag represents the identity, dignity, and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation, and should not be replaced by any other symbol. Every citizen has a role to play in ensuring that the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day is peaceful, filled with a spirit of unity, and free from provocations that could degrade the nation’s symbols. By placing the Red and White at the pinnacle of respect, the public not only honors the services of our heroes but also strengthens the foundation of our nation for future generations. All parties are expected to celebrate Indonesian independence with peace, togetherness, and genuine love for the homeland.
*) The author is a Public Policy Observer
