By: Wijayanto Raka Sadewa*)
As August approaches, the euphoria surrounding the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence is increasingly palpable in villages, schools, offices, and even communal spaces. Meanwhile, the widespread display of One Piece-style “pirate” symbols has sparked a conflict of opinion between citizens’ creative expression and their respect for the national symbol. This intersection is testing the resilience of citizens’ nationalism, and so far, the public has demonstrated maturity in maintaining the Red and White flag as the centerpiece of independence celebrations.
In recent days, the government has emphasized two key messages. First, the Red and White Flag remains mandatory throughout August, in accordance with the guidelines for the 80th Indonesian Independence Day commemoration. This week’s circular and news reports reiterated the requirements and procedures for raising the flag, while also reminding those not permitted, such as placing other symbols parallel to or higher than the national flag. This emphasis is crucial as both an ethical and legal guideline, ensuring that the spirit of independence remains within the bounds of respect for national symbols.
Furthermore, the government has demonstrated a relatively balanced approach to the pirate flag phenomenon. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that citizens’ creative expression, including the One Piece flag, is fundamentally unproblematic as long as it doesn’t clash with the Red and White or appear to rival state symbols. This message is crucial, meaning the state recognizes freedom of expression but demands that respect for the national flag be maintained. This non-reactive approach helps defuse tensions and encourages the public to maintain a balance between criticism, pop entertainment, and state ethics.
Defense and security forces are mobilizing national energy in an affirmative manner. Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto instructed regional military units to encourage the display of the Red and White flag in homes, offices, and public spaces, and distributed thousands of flags to residents. Rather than a coercive approach, this step fosters participation and a sense of belonging, demonstrating that the Red and White is present because it is invited, not forced. Practices like the distribution of 1,000 flags exemplify how state institutions foster nationalism through positive actions and close engagement with citizens.
Nevertheless, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan warned of the legal dimension when non-state symbols are treated as if they rival state symbols. This warning serves as a safeguard to prevent escalation from mere pop culture expression to actions that could potentially insult state symbols. A balance between affirming freedom of expression and enforcing legal boundaries is a necessary combination for a healthy democratic climate.
From a social perspective, the “pirate flag” phenomenon can be interpreted in three ways. First, this channel of expression for a younger generation familiar with pop culture and global symbols is nothing new in modern society. Second, there is a critical message, which in some groups is conveyed through easily recognizable symbolic language. Third, there is a need for dialogue so that these symbols do not negate social harmony. Here, the government must firmly prioritize the Red and White flag while recognizing this space for expression without adopting a moderation that aligns with the spirit of inclusive nationalism.
Field practice shows that communities are responding to this call, with giant flag parades, neighborhood painting campaigns, pennant installations, and flag-sharing movements flourishing in many areas. In Bogor, for example, the hundreds-meter-long Red and White parade has become a magnet for public participation. Events like these are not merely ceremonial; they strengthen social cohesion, foster shared pride, and ground nationalism in communal experience, not mere slogans.
At the narrative level, the 80th anniversary of independence calls us back to the fundamental values of unity, dignity, and active citizenship. The government has released a theme and guidelines for the celebration, while public spaces are filled with citizen initiatives. In the context of the debate over the “pirate” symbol, the message that needs to be continuously conveyed is that criticism and creativity are legitimate, but should not obscure symbolic hierarchy. Red and White are a symbol of sovereignty fought for by the nation’s founders. By using Red and White as an umbrella, every citizen’s expression can coexist without negating each other.
Maintaining the spirit of nationalism amidst the tide of global pop culture does not mean closing ourselves off. Mature nationalism is able to absorb, sort, and position external influences in a proportional position. When new symbols enter, our society is challenged to rearticulate our national identity with confidence, without inferiority, and without arrogance. Essentially, the government has a similar signal: celebrate independence joyfully, maintain the Red and White as a crown, and channel criticism with dignity. With this framework, the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia is a momentum to affirm intelligent, open, and civilized nationalism. This demonstrates a nationalism that is not easily swayed by other symbols, but rather capable of interpreting symbols in light of the values of Pancasila.
)* The author is a social observer
