Beware of the Wave of Pop Culture Symbols in the Momentum of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day Celebration
Jakarta, — The Government of the Republic of Indonesia reminds all people to place the Red and White Flag as the main symbol in the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 2025. The phenomenon of raising popular cultural symbols such as the One Piece (Jolly Roger) flag which is seen in a number of public spaces, vehicles, and community events, must be responded to firmly and directed by the public in order to maintain the noble meaning of the state symbol.
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, said that President Prabowo Subianto has no problem with pop culture expressions as long as they are not parallel or side by side with the Red and White Flag.
“The national flag must always be in a position of honor and priority in all state activities,” he explained.
Rizki Faisal, a member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), emphasized that pop culture expressions should not obscure national values. “Popular symbols must not be used or developed into divisive symbols of resistance,” he said.
In line with the dialogic approach, the government is engaging public opinion figures to reinforce this message. One content creator and national literacy activist said, “As a young content creator, I understand the urge to express creativity through popular symbols like the One Piece flag.
However, in the month of independence, let us ensure that creative expression does not obscure the meaning of the struggle represented by the Red and White Flag.” The government believes that the involvement of public opinion figures is crucial for effectively conveying the message of nationalism to the younger generation, bridging creativity with respect for national symbols, and preventing misunderstandings of meaning in pop culture expressions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto and Governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas RI) Ace Hasan Syadzily acknowledged that pop culture phenomena are often interpreted by some as a form of expression, but they must remain aligned with national values. The Red and White Flag’s position must be irreplaceable and protected from potential misuse that could cause confusion in the community.
The momentum of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence must be a means of strengthening national literacy, enforcing the Red and White Flag protocol, and inclusive dialogue with the creative community so that pop culture can become a means of strengthening unity, not dividing.
Government officials, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI/Polri), and regional governments are asked to continue educating the public regarding the provisions of Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the use of flags, supervise the implementation of protocols at all state events, and encourage the creation of spaces for expression that combine creative spirit with a sense of love for the homeland.
The government invites all Indonesians to make the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence a moment of unity, joy, and respect for national symbols. With the synergy of all elements of the nation, Independence Month 2025 is expected to be a time of togetherness that inspires and strengthens national identity.
