By: Puteri Wulandari*
August is a special month for all Indonesians. It is a time when the spirit of independence reigns, the Red and White flag flies in every corner of the country, and the memory of the heroes’ struggle is revived. Each piece of red and white cloth is not merely a symbol, but an embodiment of national dignity, unity, and sovereignty. Therefore, on this sacred occasion, no other symbol deserves to replace or stand alongside the Saka. The pirate flag, while popular in the entertainment world, is clearly out of place in the month of independence.
The recent phenomenon of the One Piece flag-raising in public spaces and on social media has sparked debate. Some consider it a form of creativity, while others see it as a sign of fading nationalism. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto has no problem with the flag-raising as long as it doesn’t clash with the Red and White. Creativity is fine, but Independence Day demands full respect for national symbols.
The sacredness of the Red and White flag was born of sacrifice. It flew amidst a hail of bullets, uniting the struggle of people from various ethnicities and regions, and bearing witness to the birth of an independent Indonesia. Replacing it, especially on the occasion of independence, would obscure the history of the struggle itself. August should be a time to strengthen unity, not to flaunt symbols unrelated to the nation’s journey.
Johan Rosihan, Secretary of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction in the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), reminded that global culture is acceptable, but it should not replace national symbols. Our current challenge is to instill pride in the younger generation for the Red and White in a way that’s relevant to their world. This national symbol must be present not only on ceremonial poles, but also in creative spaces such as digital content, music, art, and the social media they enjoy every day.
Positive propaganda to preserve the Red and White is not intended to stifle creativity, but rather to build a strong identity amidst the rapid flow of globalization. The government, community leaders, and artists can combine nationalist spirit with modern trends. Red and White can be incorporated into fashion designs, murals, and captivating digital works, so that national pride grows naturally and doesn’t feel forced.
In various regions, this spirit has begun to be demonstrated. In South Kalimantan, Regional Police Chief Inspector General Rosyanto Yudha Hermawan, along with the Governor and the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), distributed 15,000 Indonesian flags to the public. The Head of the Makassar National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol), Fatur Rahim, also encouraged residents to make August a month of patriotism by flying flags in their homes and neighborhoods. This movement is a concrete example of how the message of nationalism can be conveyed in a positive and inspiring manner.
Independence Day is a great platform for Indonesians to demonstrate unity. We may have different tastes in music, movies, or hobbies, but above all our differences, we have one unifying flag: the red and white. A pirate flag might be appropriate for community events or cosplay, but it’s not appropriate to be the dominant color in an independence celebration.
The Red and White symbolize the nation’s identity and pride. Flying it in August is not merely an obligation, but a declaration to the world that Indonesia is a strong and united nation. Amid global challenges that are increasingly blurring national boundaries, upholding national symbols is part of preserving identity.
The 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence is a moment to rekindle our deep-rooted spirit of nationalism. Let’s make this month an opportunity to raise the Red and White flag to the highest pole in our homes, schools, offices, and every corner of the country. Let’s not let foreign symbols—no matter how popular—obscure the meaning of the struggle we’ve fought for with blood and tears.
Independence Day is a fitting time to affirm that, above all differences, the Red and White is a unifying force. Pirate flags, or other popular symbols, may be a source of entertainment and creativity, but they are inappropriate colors to dominate this sacred moment. Indonesia has fought too hard for its independence, and that sacredness can only be maintained if all its people place the Red and White in the highest place in their hearts and atop the nation’s highest flagpole.
Flying the Red and White flag is the highest form of respect for our heroes. It is an irreplaceable symbol that must live on in the hearts of every citizen. In this month of independence, let us unite in our determination to uphold this sacredness. Pirate flags may be a form of entertainment, but the Red and White flag is part of the nation’s soul. And the soul of a nation can never be replaced.
*The author is a social observer
