Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai responded to the raising of the Jolly Roger flag from the Japanese manga One Piece alongside the Indonesian flag ahead of the commemoration of the Proclamation of Independence. The government has the right to enforce regulations and prohibitions, including the raising of the One Piece flag.
Pigai stated that the state firmly has the right to prohibit the raising of the flag, because it is considered a violation of the law and a form of treason.
“The ban on flying the flag is an important effort to maintain national symbols as a form of respect for the country,” said Pigai.
The ban has nothing to do with restricting citizens’ freedom of expression.
“I hope the public understands that this ban is an effort to maintain national unity and integrity during a historic moment like the Independence Day celebrations. This step demonstrates how national and international law work together to maintain national stability,” he said.
In the lead-up to the 80th Indonesian Independence Day, One Piece flags have been circulating widely on social media and in the streets. This phenomenon has attracted widespread attention, as the flag is seen as a symbol of resistance.
Even though raising the red and white flag is a form of expression, we must understand the context and limits of the rules for raising the red and white flag.
Under Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the National Flag, Language, and Emblem, as well as the National Anthem, Article 24 expressly prohibits actions that defame or demean the honor of the National Flag, such as defacing, burning, trampling, or symbolically insulting it. However, there is no explicit prohibition on the flying of non-national flags, such as fictional or community flags, as long as they adhere to symbolic provisions.
The One Piece flag in question is the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates in the One Piece anime and manga. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan urged the public not to be provoked by the movement.
“As a great nation that respects history, we should all refrain from provoking with symbols that are not relevant to the nation’s struggle,” explained Budi.
The government appreciates people’s creative expression, provided it doesn’t cross boundaries or harm national symbols. He assured that the government will take firm action if there are any deliberate attempts to spread such narratives.
The public is expected to appreciate and respect the services of heroes on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. This can be done by not denigrating the Red and White flag, which is the symbol and identity of the nation.
