Jakarta – The government is reminding the public, especially the younger generation, to be more judicious in using popular cultural symbols, such as the pirate flag from the anime series One Piece. This is a warning against the potential for social polarization due to the misuse of symbols ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan responded to the circulating narrative of the raising of the pirate flag from the One Piece manga ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. He considered this a form of provocation that could undermine the authority of the Red and White flag and cause polarization in society.
“As a great nation that values history, we should all refrain from provoking people with symbols that are irrelevant to the nation’s struggle,” said Budi Gunawan.
According to Budi Gunawan, the government continues to respect citizens’ expression and creativity in celebrating Indonesian Independence Day, as long as it doesn’t violate national boundaries or harm national symbols. However, if any intentional activity is found in the distribution and flying of the pirate flag from the anime series One Piece, the government will not hesitate to take decisive action.
“The criminal consequences of actions that harm the honor of the Red and White flag are clearly regulated in Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the National Flag, Language, and Symbols, as well as the National Anthem. Article 24 paragraph (1) states that everyone is prohibited from flying the national flag under any other flag or symbol,” said Budi Gunawan.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that raising non-national flags during Independence Day could trigger social unrest and diminish the dignity of national symbols. He urged the public not to be swayed by pop culture trends that violate national norms and national laws.
In addition, Dasco assessed that this situation has the potential to be exploited by irresponsible parties.
“We have detected and received input from security agencies that there are indeed efforts to divide unity and integrity,” said Dasco.
Sufmi Dasco urged the public to unite amidst divisive efforts through the display of One Piece flags. “We must fight against such things. Let’s unite and fight,” he said.
In this case, the government encourages the public to continue to uphold tolerance, respect each other, and not get caught up in symbols that could divide unity.
