By: Aneska Fitri Ramadhani
The phenomenon of hoisting pirate flags bearing a skull symbol, known as the Jolly Roger from the One Piece series, has recently become widespread in various regions ahead of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence. This trend, particularly popular among the younger generation, is seen as a form of freedom of expression and solidarity with fictional characters viewed as fighters for justice and liberty. However, this symbol is increasingly seen as a serious threat to the unity and integrity of the nation.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that the trend of raising pirate flags must be viewed with concern as it may indicate a form of symbolic resistance against state authority. He emphasized that the use of non-national symbols to replace or even accompany the Indonesian national flag (Merah Putih) constitutes a deviation from national values fought for by the country’s independence heroes. Foreign symbols like these can be exploited by certain groups to construct narratives of division. Dasco claimed to have received input from several intelligence agencies indicating that the emblem on the flag may point to a systematic movement that threatens national unity.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Budi Gunawan, stressed that flying any symbol other than the national flag—especially above or alongside it—violates Law No. 24 of 2009 concerning the National Flag, Language, Emblem, and Anthem. Such actions can trigger social instability and disrupt public order.
Beyond legal implications, the hoisting of pirate flags may also exacerbate national tension at a time when the country is focused on development and post-2024 election national consolidation. This issue arises amid heightened sensitivity to ideological differences and potential political provocations. On social media, the pirate symbol has even been used by anonymous accounts to spread anti-government narratives and rally public dissatisfaction with state policies.
Budi Gunawan urged all elements of society to respect national symbols by refraining from misusing them, especially in ways that could be interpreted as demeaning.
On the other hand, the Central Coordinator of BEM Nusantara (National Student Executive Board), Muksin Mahu, issued a national call to all students in Indonesia to hoist the national flag throughout the month of August. This call includes displaying the flag across campuses, dormitories, and residential areas as a sign of respect for the values of struggle and national spirit.
Muksin emphasized that no other symbol is worthy of replacing the honor of the Sang Saka Merah Putih as the national emblem. He specifically criticized the pirate flag trend inspired by One Piece as inappropriate in the context of commemorating independence.
As a preventive measure, the government has instructed security forces to monitor and respond to cases of pirate flag hoisting, particularly when done in public spaces, schools, or government institutions. However, beyond enforcement, a cultural and public communication approach is also considered vital to convey the meaning and importance of honoring national symbols as representations of the nation’s collective identity.
The government also plans to engage creative communities and social media influencers to disseminate positive narratives about the meaning of independence and the importance of honoring national symbols in a creative yet appropriate way. This campaign is expected to reach younger generations using language they understand, while also curbing the spread of potentially deviant symbols in digital spaces. Cross-sector collaboration is seen as the key to ensuring that national education efforts are not merely top-down but also grow organically from within the community.
This phenomenon highlights the urgency of strengthening cultural resilience and nationalism in a digital era vulnerable to the infiltration of foreign symbols. With easy access to global media, Indonesian society—especially its youth—is increasingly exposed to foreign values and symbols that may not align with the nation’s socio-political context. The government and the people must work together to build collective awareness about the importance of upholding the dignity of national symbols as part of the country’s national integrity.
The hoisting of pirate flags is not merely a viral trend or a piece of popular culture. Behind the symbol lies the potential for value shifts and threats to the symbolic sovereignty of the nation. In response, collaboration across government sectors, educators, community leaders, media, and parents is essential to reinforce national identity, preserve unity, and ensure that the younger generation grows into historically aware and patriotic citizens. Without deep understanding of the meaning behind national symbols, the youth are at risk of being swept away by foreign cultural euphoria that could erode the spirit of nationalism. Therefore, strengthening national literacy must be a priority in both education and public policy agendas.
*) The author is a Literacy Activist and Development Observer.
