Pirate Flag Becomes Symbol Of Protest Ahead Of Indonesia S Independence Day

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WITH Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day just around the corner, authorities are clamping down on what they see as politically charged displays — namely, the rising presence of the ‘Jolly Roger’ flag from the anime One Piece. The iconic symbol, featuring a skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat, has been popping up on vehicles and homes across the country.
Although the flag originates from a popular Japanese animated series, it has recently taken on a new meaning for many Indonesians: a quiet form of rebellion against President Prabowo Subianto’s government. Officials view this growing trend as a potential provocation and have cautioned against flying the anime flag alongside the national red and white.
“I personally fly the One Piece flag because the red and white flag (Indonesia’s official flag) is too sacred to be raised in a corrupt country like this,” said Khariq Anhar, a 24-year-old university student from Riau, in an interview with AFP.
“I believe freedom of expression exists in Indonesia, but it is extremely limited. Voicing your opinion is becoming increasingly dangerous now.
“If the government isn’t afraid to oppress its own people, we shouldn’t be afraid to oppose its terrible policies.”
Government officials have not taken the matter lightly. They say the use of unrelated symbols during national events threatens to divide the population, and they are considering a ban on flying the One Piece flag near the official flag or during national celebrations.
“It is important for us to refrain from provoking tensions using symbols that are irrelevant to the national struggle,” said Budi Gunawan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, in a statement issued last week.
Ministers have also reminded the public that national flag protocol is legally enforced. Under Indonesian law, any action seen as insulting or degrading the red and white flag can result in up to five years in prison or a fine nearing USD 31,000.
On Tuesday, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi commented that while President Prabowo supports “creative expression,” the placement of the two flags should be handled with care. “They should not be placed side-by-side in a way that invites comparison,” he said, according to local media reports.
Observers believe that this symbolic form of protest is a creative way for citizens to express dissatisfaction with current policies, especially as concerns grow over the direction of the country under Prabowo’s leadership. Some of his recent economic and defence decisions have raised questions about the health of Indonesia’s democracy.
“Flying the One Piece flag as a form of criticism is part of freedom of expression, and it is protected under the Constitution,” said Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia. — Focus Malaysia

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