By: Bening Cahaya Salsabila
The Red and White flag remains firmly embedded in the hearts of all Indonesians. Even though the recent phenomenon of hoisting the Jolly Roger flag from the anime One Piece may be viewed as a form of creative expression, it must not diminish respect for the national symbol.
The public has been closely watching the trend of people flying the Jolly Roger flag in the lead-up to Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration. Some truck drivers and anime fans have been seen raising this pirate flag—some even placing it alongside or beneath the Indonesian flag. These actions have sparked widespread debate about the boundary between creative freedom and violations of national symbols.
While some consider the use of fictional flags as part of visual expression harmless, it becomes a concern when such symbols appear during a national moment like Independence Day. The spirit of patriotism and the sacredness of the Red and White must not be overshadowed. The national flag is not just a visual marker—it carries irreplaceable historical and cultural significance, far beyond that of global pop culture trends.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan views the phenomenon as something that Indonesia’s younger generation must remain cautious about. He emphasized that while creative expression is welcome, it must still operate within the bounds of respect for national symbols.
According to him, if such actions are done with the intent to demean or manipulate public opinion against the state symbol, they carry consequences. He cited Law No. 24 of 2009, Article 24 Paragraph (1), which clearly prohibits hoisting the Red and White flag beneath any other symbol in any form. Violating this law is not merely a visual issue—it is a matter of national dignity.
Budi also highlighted the importance of public understanding regarding the distinction between appreciating pop culture and upholding national honor. He urged the public not to distort the meaning of Independence Day with symbols that bear no relevance to the nation’s struggle. He reiterated that flying the Red and White throughout August is a way to honor the sacrifices of heroes and preserve national historical heritage.
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad took a more lenient stance, stating that the hoisting of the One Piece flag isn’t a serious issue as long as it’s done purely as a form of expression.
He acknowledged that especially among younger generations, people have unique ways of expressing their creativity. For Dasco, the real problem would only arise if the fictional symbol was used to divide society or serve as a deliberate political provocation. He asserted that the government does not intend to restrict creative expression as long as it does not undermine the spirit of nationalism.
Dasco’s approach reflects the need to embrace the younger generation without compromising the core values of nationhood. In the digital era, visual media and popular symbols are now part of this generation’s language. But the key is in maintaining awareness of the values, norms, and symbols that must be protected.
Meanwhile, People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani expressed his belief that Indonesians still hold a deep love for the Red and White flag. He does not view the One Piece flag incident as direct disrespect toward the state symbol but rather as an unavoidable part of pop cultural expression.
Muzani emphasized that Indonesia’s Independence Day should be a time for reflection on the country’s journey and a moment to honor the nation’s founders. He believes that the spirit of the Red and White flag remains firmly rooted in the hearts of the people, even if some express it in unconventional ways.
He urged the public to use August as a time for national reflection and evaluation. Muzani encouraged all Indonesians to prioritize the hoisting of the national flag across the archipelago, as a form of gratitude and appreciation for the struggle that has brought Indonesia to its 80th year. While anime symbols may be part of today’s popular culture, he stated, they can never replace the Red and White as the symbol of sovereignty and national identity.
The display of fictional symbols should not immediately be labeled as treason or insult. However, when done at the wrong time and place, such actions may raise concerns about weakening national symbols. The spirit of independence is not merely an annual ceremony—it is a continuous effort to preserve the identity and honor of the nation.
In this context, society must strengthen its symbolic and historical literacy regarding national values. Appreciating pop culture does not mean ignoring the essence of the Red and White as the nation’s official flag. Every act of creativity should still leave room for honoring the history and struggle of those who fought for independence with their blood and lives.
Being citizens with the freedom to express themselves is a right for all. But safeguarding the dignity of the state is a collective responsibility. Thus, during a significant moment like the 80th Independence Day, hoisting the Red and White with utmost respect should be a top priority. Meanwhile, flags from entertainment should remain in their proper place: as entertainment, not as symbols of national struggle.
Political Affairs Expert – Center for Nusantara Political Analysis
