JAKARTA — In commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence, several state officials reaffirmed the importance of the Red and White flag (Bendera Merah Putih) as the nation’s irreplaceable symbol. Amid the rise of popular culture and the appearance of alternative symbols, the government emphasized that the Red and White must always be upheld as the unifying emblem of the nation.
Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, stated that although the public may express creativity by raising other flags, the people’s love for the Red and White remains unwavering.
“I see it as an expression of creativity and innovation, but their hearts are with the Red and White, their spirit is the Red and White. I believe the Indonesian people’s love for the Red and White cannot be replaced by anything. I am convinced of that,” he said.
He added that the independence month should serve as a moment to strengthen national unity.
“The Red and White is the glue that binds all elements of the nation. Other symbols may appear as expressions, but they must never replace the national emblem,” Muzani stressed.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, shared a similar view. He noted that the public’s creativity in using alternative symbols should not be an issue as long as the Red and White continues to be raised.
“There’s no problem with the flags, as long as the Red and White is flown. Overall, the creativity in raising flags, including the use of the One Piece flag, is not an issue in our view,” he remarked.
However, Dasco reminded the public to distinguish between symbols of entertainment and symbols of statehood. He emphasized that Independence Day should be deeply appreciated as a moment to strengthen patriotism, not merely as a ceremonial celebration.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi stressed the importance of preserving the sacredness of Independence commemoration, especially in August.
“We hope that this month of August will not be tarnished by things that lack sacredness,” he asserted.
According to Prasetyo, the government does not close the door to public creativity, but clear boundaries must be upheld. The Red and White must always be raised solemnly during Independence Day celebrations as a tribute to the nation’s heroes.
He also called on the younger generation to see the Red and White as a source of inspiration in their endeavors.
“This flag is a symbol of struggle that unites us all. The younger generation must safeguard it, for within it lies the dignity of the Indonesian nation,” he concluded.
Thus, the statements of these state officials reaffirm that honoring the Red and White is not merely a ritual, but an act of respect for the nation’s history, unity, and identity.
