he Younger Generation Must Maintain the Sanctity of the Red and White Flag in the Digital Culture Era
By: Dika Surya Putra )*
In the fast-paced digital era, pop culture symbols often infiltrate the public sphere, stealing attention, and even shifting the meaning of sacred state symbols. The phenomenon of raising the pirate flag ” Jolly Roger ” from the anime series One Piece , which went viral ahead of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, is proof that pop culture trends can rival the presence of the Red and White in the public sphere. However, in situations like this, the spirit of nationalism must be maintained and not with repressive prohibitions, but through an inclusive and educational approach. Constitutionally, the Red and White is not just a cloth, but a symbol of national sovereignty.
Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, stated that pop culture trends are an inevitable phenomenon in the digital age. However, the younger generation must be encouraged to develop a strong sense of history and national identity. He believes pop culture can be a bridge to strengthen nationalism, not the other way around.
Furthermore, this situation even drew the attention of the Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who firmly stated that flying a pirate flag under or alongside the Red and White was inappropriate. This emphasized that state symbols should be respected and not juxtaposed with fictional symbols that could obscure their historical meaning and sacredness. Furthermore, the Minister of Defense also reminded that the Indonesian national flag has very high historical and emotional value because it contains the struggles of heroes, and mentioned that the Red and White was first sewn by Mrs. Fatmawati Soekarno, the wife of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia.
The ” Jolly Roger ” phenomenon and other pop culture trends reflect the creativity of a digital generation living in a globalized world. In this context, Indonesia faces a crucial challenge: how to present contemporary creative expression without weakening national bonds, through strengthening identity and a smart educational approach. We need to emphasize that global culture and nationalism are not polar opposites, but rather two forces that can combine to create a strong, relevant, and proud modern identity.
Through creative education, the Red and White symbol can resonate with the digital generation, for example through memes, social media filters, educational games , and inspiring visual content that serve as a medium for patriotism. Furthermore, collaboration between institutions and creative communities is essential: the Government, the House of Representatives (DPR), the National Police (Polri), cultural communities, influencers , and content creators can synergize to enrich the national narrative that is relevant to the times. This also aligns with Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono’s view that pop culture is a means to strengthen national pride, as long as it does not neglect state symbols during state moments.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of the Public Information Bureau of the Indonesian National Police’s Public Relations Division, stated that the independence celebration should be a momentum to strengthen national values, not a place to shift the meaning of national symbols. This is a call for every citizen to wisely respond to cultural trends, maintain respect for national symbols, and create a relevant national narrative. In this context, it is important for us to recognize that national symbols such as the Red and White are not merely ceremonial attributes, but also a unifying foundation and national identity that must be protected from being eroded by momentary trends.
On the other hand, firmness regarding respect for national symbols remains crucial, as the Red and White symbolize the struggle and sacredness inherited from our heroes. This firm stance needs to be accompanied by education so that the younger generation consciously understands the essence of the symbol, not out of fear of sanctions. Finally, the momentum of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day is an ideal stage to affirm that the Red and White remains the primary symbol of the nation, while simultaneously ensuring that pop culture does not overshadow the symbolic meaning of the red and white flag. This is an approach that does not hinder creativity and simultaneously affirms the values of nationalism.
As a nation with a long history of struggle, Indonesia has a responsibility to maintain the respect of national symbols, especially amidst the rapid flow of pop culture . Rather than viewing digital culture as a threat, we can see it as an opportunity to ground national values in a modern context. With an educational, collaborative, and inclusive approach, coupled with firmness in safeguarding state symbols, as supported by political sources and officials, our nationalism will not only survive but also grow stronger in the hearts of future generations.
Now is the time to reflect on the national moment as a meeting point between tradition and innovation, not a battle. A creative and exploratory young generation is the nation’s hope. If properly directed, this energy will not be a distraction, but a force that will multiply pride in our homeland. Through synergy between the government, public figures, and cultural actors, the Red and White flag will not only be displayed but also strengthened through educational content, creative activities, and national dialogue involving young people.
)*The author is a social issues observer
