August 4, 2025 | 12:42 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Presidential Communication Office Head, Hasan Nasbi, recently affirmed that the Indonesian flag cannot be replaced by any other flag, specifically referencing the "One Piece" flag. Hasan noted that he has not observed the widely discussed Japanese pirate anime flag displayed along public roads.
"But the Indonesian flag is not a choice. It is a necessity. The Indonesian flag cannot be replaced," Hasan declared in a statement while overseeing free health check-ups at SMAN 6 Tangerang Selatan, Banten, on August 4, 2025.
The phenomenon of the "One Piece" flag gaining traction on social media has gone viral ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day celebrations.
The "One Piece" flag, also known as the Jolly Roger, is the pirate symbol from the renowned Japanese anime series by Eiichiro Oda. It has reportedly been displayed on various houses and vehicles, drawing significant public attention.
This black flag, featuring a white skull and crossed bones, has been raised by some individuals as an expression of disappointment with government performance and a form of resistance against prevailing social and political conditions.
Riki Hidayat, a resident of Kebayoran, South Jakarta, intends to display the "One Piece" flag in front of his house on the 80th Indonesian Independence Day. He clarifies that this act is not an act of betrayal against Indonesia. Instead, he views raising the "One Piece" flag as a symbol of protest or an expression of dissatisfaction with a government he believes is failing to adequately protect citizens' rights.
Riki articulated that his stance does not diminish his sense of nationalism. "This is not about losing nationalism," he remarked. According to him, the concept of nationalism loses its meaning if the nation fails to provide adequate protection in return for the taxes paid by its citizens.
"I love the homeland where I can live. But the homeland I love is not the homeland where I pay taxes but do not receive equal rights for the taxes I pay," he explained/
This phenomenon has elicited diverse responses from politicians and government officials. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad perceives the display of the Jolly Roger flag as a systematic attempt to undermine the unity of the Indonesian nation.
"We have detected and received input from security institutions; indeed, there are efforts to disrupt the unity of the nation," he stated at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
The following day, Dasco urged the public not to conflate the Indonesian flag with the "One Piece" flag, noting that many older generations are unfamiliar with the anime.
Achmad Ghiffary Mannan, Muhammad Nafis Wirasaputra, Novali Panji Nugroho, and Michelle Gabriela contributed to the report.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia Protests Using One Piece Flags Go Viral on Social Media Among Anime Lovers Worldwide
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Minister Claims One Piece Flag Ban Supported by UN
1 jam lalu
According to Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai, the act of hoisting the One Piece flag is a violation of the law.
Indonesia Protests Using One Piece Flags Go Viral on Social Media Among Anime Lovers Worldwide
2 jam lalu
Indonesia protests using One Piece flags have attracted widespread attention, even internationally, including among anime fans worldwide.
One Piece Flag is a Form of Social Criticism, Say Sociologists
2 jam lalu
Several sociologists respond to the raising of the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day on August 17, 2025. They emphasize the significance of this act as a form of symbolic political expression among the citizens.
Indonesian Human Rights Minister Prohibits People from Flying One Piece Flag
5 jam lalu
Indonesian Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai claims that the ban on raising the One Piece flag is in line with international law principles.
Indonesians Put Up One Piece Flags; MPR Speaker Says It's a Form of Creativity
5 jam lalu
Chair of the People's Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani responds to the installation of the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
Flying One Piece Flag Does Not Break the Law in Indonesia, Says Expert
5 jam lalu
Legal expert says the One Piece flag can be flown as long as it is positioned below the Indonesian flag and is smaller in size.
Indonesian Authorities Hunt for People Displaying One Piece Flag Through RT Leader
6 jam lalu
Indonesian authorities instruct head of the neighborhood association (RT) officials to report residents who raise One Piece flags.
Indonesians Continue to Fly the One Piece Flag Despite Government Threats
23 jam lalu
A resident from Riau, Kharik, feels no reason to comply and fear raising the One Piece flag in front of his house.
One Piece Flag is Not a Threat; It Strengthens Indonesian Brotherhood, Says Ansor Cyber Body
1 hari lalu
The Chair of Ansor Cyber Body, Ahmad Luthfi, stated that the pirate flag from One Piece is in line with the values of struggle and unity of Indonesia
Indonesian Police Threaten Residents Who Fly One Piece Flags
1 hari lalu
Indonesia's Banten Police have threatened to take firm action against residents who raise the pirate flag of One Piece during Independence Day.
