By: Surya Andika)
Amid the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, a unique phenomenon has emerged: the widespread display of the pirate flag from the anime One Piece. Some people raise it as a symbol of social criticism, satire toward the government, or an expression of discontent with injustice. However, the reality is that such a fictional flag does not embody the spirit and history of the nation; instead, it threatens the sacred atmosphere of patriotism and the growth of national consciousness.
Using or glorifying a pirate flag in daily life does not, in fact, reflect the nation’s patriotism. Moreover, it risks diminishing national awareness among the younger generation. Behind its supposedly cool, aesthetic, or “rebellious” appearance, this symbol actually carries a dark history filled with violence, crime, and lawlessness.
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) from the Nasdem Party, M. Shadiq Pasadigoe, stated that the use of a pirate symbol to replace or even be placed alongside the Red-and-White flag is a misplaced political expression. He emphasized that if one wishes to criticize government policies, it should be done through legitimate channels. The Red-and-White must never be substituted by a fictional symbol. This is not only a breach of ethics but also a form of historical amnesia.
In addition, Member of Commission I of the DPR, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. TB Hasanuddin, firmly stated that hoisting a fictional flag on August 17—when the Red-and-White must be flown—is not only unethical but also undermines the dignity and meaning of the National Flag. This view aligns with the government’s commitment to safeguarding the Red-and-White as the formal state symbol, as mandated in Law No. 24/2009 on the Flag, Language, and State Emblem. It conveys a strong message that honoring state symbols is not merely a matter of legality but also of preserving the noble values of sacrifice and the spirit of proclamation inherited from past generations.
Therefore, it is the duty of both the government and the wider public to ensure that symbols such as the pirate flag do not replace, or even rival, the official symbols of the state in meaning and authority. This does not mean rejecting criticism—on the contrary. Criticism, when conveyed through legitimate and contextual channels, is an important part of democracy. However, the values of independence, patriotism, and respect for the painful history of the nation’s struggle must continue to be upheld so they are not eroded by trends that may weaken collective symbolic ties.
Sociologist Dr. Paulus Wirutomo from the University of Indonesia explained that cultural identity is shaped by symbols referenced in daily life. When symbols of violence are normalized and glorified, they may create an identity crisis among the younger generation. Thus, both formal and non-formal education play an important role in filtering symbols that enter into society’s culture.
Schools should begin to incorporate literacy on symbols and history into the curriculum, particularly those related to national symbols and the challenges of globalization. Social media is also equally important in playing this role. Content creators, influencers, and mass media should take part in voicing pride in national symbols and warning of the dangers of distorted symbols. This should not be done through harsh prohibition, but with an educational approach that highlights historical context and values.
Abdul Mu’ti, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, during the launch of Regulation No. 2/2025, emphasized the role of language (and national symbols) as a pillar of the nation’s identity and foundation in the public sphere. The nation’s identity is formed by preserved symbols, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the uniqueness and sovereignty of national symbols.
National symbols such as the Red-and-White Flag and Garuda Pancasila are not just visual identities but also representations of the nation’s struggle, sacrifice, and noble aspirations. The Red-and-White, for example, was raised with full spirit on August 17, 1945, as a sign of Indonesia’s independence and sovereignty. President Soekarno once said, “A great nation is a nation that honors the services of its heroes.”
Honoring the services of heroes also means valuing the symbols they fought for. Replacing or equating national symbols with a pirate emblem is tantamount to demeaning the meaning of independence itself. More than just an aesthetic violation, it is a distortion of identity and the nation’s noble values.
These symbols can serve as a source of pride that inspires and fuels nationalism. All Indonesian national symbols were born from a spirit of struggle and sacrifice. In today’s context, nationalism need not be rigid or outdated. It can be expressed through pride in local products, appreciation of the nation’s history, active participation in social activities, and of course, safeguarding the integrity of national symbols from misuse or degradation of meaning.
At first glance, the pirate flag may appear cool within pop culture, but behind it lies a history of violence, anarchy, and crime. Using it as an identity in Indonesian society—which upholds Pancasila values and true humanity—is inconsistent with the nation’s patriotic spirit. It is time for society, especially the younger generation, to be more selective in choosing the symbols they adopt.
Do not let symbols of violence erode national consciousness. The pirate flag is not a symbol of freedom, but a dark reminder of the past. Let us uphold and take pride in symbols that truly embody the spirit and struggle of the Indonesian nation.
)The writer is a Social and Community Affairs Observer
