JAKARTA – The month of Indonesia’s Independence in August 2025 should have been a solemn moment for all citizens to reaffirm their love for the homeland. However, this atmosphere was somewhat tainted by the trend of flying pirate flags from the anime series One Piece, which went viral on social media. This phenomenon sparked various reactions, especially concerning the boundaries between freedom of expression and respect for the official national symbol—the Red and White Flag.
Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), conveyed that he understands the One Piece flag as part of creativity and cultural expression among the younger generation. Nevertheless, the use of the national flag is strictly regulated by law and must not be mixed with other symbols.
“We are all responsible for preserving the dignity of the national symbol while still keeping space for healthy and constructive dialogue. Let’s maintain the spirit of Indonesia’s Independence Month with enthusiasm, remain critical, but always prioritize the unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation,” said Ibas.
The Democrat Party politician added that the Red and White Flag is not merely a symbol, but a representation of the nation’s long struggle, a reminder of the values of Pancasila, and a strong emblem of national spirit that unites all elements of Indonesia.
“Following the 80th Independence Day anniversary, let us prioritize the Red and White as a manifestation of love for the homeland and respect for our heroes,” he said.
Similarly, Hero Harappano Mandouw, a member of Commission III of the Central Kalimantan Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), emphasized that after the independence celebrations, the nation’s identity must continue to be respected with full reverence. He reminded people not to let the euphoria overshadow the noble values of the nation.
“We all certainly want to celebrate independence joyfully, but the euphoria should not make us forget our national identity. No one should try to replace it with other symbols, for whatever reason,” Hero asserted.
Chairman of PCNU Pringsewu Regency, H. Muhammad Faizin, stated that the Red and White Flag is not merely a piece of colored cloth but a symbol of sovereignty, struggle, and national honor. Although flying fictional symbols under the Red and White Flag is intended as entertainment, it still has the potential to cause misunderstandings and harm the sacredness of the national symbol.
“As the founders of the nation fought for it with blood and soul, it is only proper for us to respect it with full awareness and propriety,” he said.
The phenomenon of the pirate flag trend during the Independence Month is hoped to be a moment of shared reflection—that freedom of expression must go hand in hand with respect for national symbols. This 80th anniversary commemoration should strengthen unity, not weaken it.
