JAKARTA – Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, affirmed his belief that the Indonesian people’s love for the Red and White flag will never be replaced by any symbol or element of popular culture.
This statement came in response to the recent trend of raising the Jolly Roger flag from the Straw Hat Pirates of the One Piece anime, which has gained traction ahead of the 80th anniversary of Indonesian independence.
“I believe the Indonesian people’s love for the Red and White will never be replaced by anything else. I am confident of that,” Muzani said at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta.
He regarded the raising of flags from popular culture as a form of creativity that should not be overly criticized, as long as the spirit of nationalism remains upheld.
“I think it’s an expression of creativity and innovation, and I’m sure their hearts are with the Red and White, their spirit is Red and White,” he said.
“It is a form of gratitude to Allah, to the Almighty God, that the Republic of Indonesia has reached 80 years — with hopes that this nation will endure and continue working toward a just, prosperous, and affluent society,” he added.
Muzani stressed that the commemoration of Independence Day should also serve as a moment of reflection on the struggles of the nation’s founders who fought against colonialism so that Indonesia could achieve its freedom.
He urged all Indonesians to continue raising the Red and White flag as a sign of respect and gratitude to the nation’s founding fathers.
“As an act of thanksgiving, we hope that all Indonesian people reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founders by flying the Red and White flag,” he emphasized.
In agreement, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, also stated that he had no objections to the presence of the Jolly Roger flag raised by some citizens.
“There’s nothing wrong with the flag,” Dasco said.
He viewed it as part of the people’s creative expression, and as long as it’s not used to divide the nation, it should not be considered a problem.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized the importance of maintaining the sacredness of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebration.
“We hope that in this month of August, nothing sacred is tarnished,” he said.
Although he respects the right to freedom of expression, Prasetyo stressed that creativity should not be used to undermine the meaning of independence. (*)
