By: Fajar Dwi Santoso*)
Various narratives from pop culture, which have been flooding Indonesia’s younger generation—especially in this era of rapid technological and informational development, including the anime One Piece—must not be allowed to overshadow the spirit of nationalism among youth, particularly during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebration.
Ahead of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the public is once again confronted with debates over national identity. One of the most recent phenomena that has drawn attention is the act of several people raising the pirate flag from the anime series One Piece.
This act has gone viral across social media platforms, sparking discussions on where exactly the boundary lies between expressions of popular culture and respect for national symbols.
The situation reflects a new dynamic in the relationship between youth and nationalism. Global pop culture—especially imports from Japan and South Korea—has undeniably become a part of everyday life, particularly for younger people.
However, when fictional cultural symbols like the Jolly Roger flag are raised during sacred national moments such as Independence Day, concerns arise that pop culture might begin to erode the spirit of nationalism among the nation’s youth.
Willy Aditya, Chairman of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives and a senior member of the NasDem Party, believes the raising of the anime flag is a form of political expression by a segment of the public, particularly the younger generation.
However, he views this expression as being misdirected. Criticisms toward the government, if not channeled with proper understanding, risk blurring the distinction between the state and its ruling authority. Misguided protests could reduce patriotic sentiments and weaken the public’s understanding of national identity.
According to Willy, such actions also reflect a lack of literacy regarding the significance of national symbols. People must be able to distinguish between dissatisfaction with the government and acts that insult state institutions.
Although he does not see the action as a serious offense as long as it doesn’t demean the Indonesian flag, Willy emphasizes the importance of maintaining open dialogue between the people and the state. In his view, when avenues for dialogue are closed off, such acts of expression can emerge as unbalanced social outbursts.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Ahmad Muzani sees the phenomenon of the One Piece flag as an expression of creativity that does not necessarily diminish the red-and-white spirit within the hearts of the Indonesian people.
Muzani believes that the public, especially young people, still harbor a deep love for national symbols. He stressed that the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence should be seen as a call to reflect on the struggles of the nation’s heroes by honoring national symbols through the proper display of the red-and-white flag.
In his view, the spirit of independence should not be diluted by temporary pop culture trends. Restoring respect for national symbols does not mean rejecting creativity; rather, it places national values as the top priority in public expression.
Echoing that sentiment, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that the One Piece flag does not violate any rules so long as it is not used to divide society. He acknowledged that pop culture, including anime, holds a special place in the hearts of the younger generation.
Dasco sees the action as a form of creativity rather than a threat to nationalism, as long as there is no intent to offend or desecrate the meaning of national symbols.
However, these various statements make it clear that strengthening national values is a pressing need. Pop culture, which is increasingly flooding Indonesia’s digital and social spheres, has the potential to become a soft power capable of influencing cultural orientation and national identity.
Phenomena like the raising of fictional flags during Independence Day should serve as a reminder that younger generations need a new approach to understanding nationalism.
National symbols like the red-and-white flag must not be overshadowed by fictional characters. Reinforcing national identity needs to be delivered in a more relatable way—one that touches both the hearts and minds of the digital generation.
The government, educational institutions, and community leaders all have strategic roles in building national literacy. Education on the nation’s historical struggles must be developed creatively to compete with global narratives. Local culture must be integrated into social media, music, film, and other creative outputs to remain relevant amid the flood of foreign cultural influences.
The youth must also realize that loving pop culture does not mean sacrificing national values. Taking pride in local products, understanding national history, and actively safeguarding national symbols are all expressions of love for Indonesia. Modern nationalism does not mean rejecting change, but rather adapting to the times without losing one’s roots.
Criticizing the government is certainly acceptable in a democracy. However, such criticism must be properly directed so it does not become a blunder that harms national spirit. When public expression is filled with literacy and the spirit of building, pop culture can synergize with nationalism instead of replacing it.
With this in mind, it is important for all elements of the nation to make Independence Day a moment of collective reflection. Pop culture is indeed unavoidable, but we must ensure that global narratives do not blur the noble values fought for by the nation’s founders. National symbols must continue to stand tall amid the tides of change.
*) National Political Analyst – Forum Politik Mandala Raya
