JAKARTA – Following the celebration of the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, public attention has turned to the phenomenon of using fictional or non-national symbols.
The government and public figures have emphasized that the Red-and-White Flag (Merah Putih) must remain the sole national symbol raised during and after the commemoration of independence.
Head of the Public Information Bureau of the National Police, Brig. Gen. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, called on the public to celebrate independence in unity.
“The spirit of independence must be realized in unity. Let us celebrate independence with gratitude and raise the Red-and-White as a mark of our nation’s greatness. The National Police is also committed to maintaining security and order as part of the journey toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” he said.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR), Kawendra Lukistian, underlined the philosophical meaning of the Merah Putih.
“The Red-and-White is not merely colors, but a legacy filled with the meaning of struggle, sacrifice, and hope. Every time this flag is raised, we are reminded of the spirit of unity achieved at a great price by the nation’s founders,” he said.
Kawendra further stressed the importance of raising the Merah Putih.
“Raising the Red-and-White does not always arise from perfect conditions, but from love that drives this nation to constantly improve itself. Indonesia was not built on hatred or division, but on the determination to unite amidst diversity,” he explained.
Similarly, Head of Public Relations of Central Java Police, Sr. Comr. Artanto, said that while the police respect public creativity, they continue to encourage the raising of the Merah Putih.
“With regard to this phenomenon, our priority during the 80th Independence Day is to focus on raising the Red-and-White flag. While we respect freedom of expression and creativity, in this month of August let us enliven the commemoration of the 80th Independence Day by raising our Merah Putih in public spaces as well as in our own surroundings. That is our suggestion,” he stated.
Artanto added that the police continue to monitor the development of this phenomenon while providing public education.
“We respect freedom of expression and creativity, but of course there are ethics, culture, and decency that we must uphold together. Especially in August, the month of independence, we should celebrate by raising the Merah Putih,” he concluded.
