Ban on Flying the One Piece Flag to Maintain Unity and Integrity
Minister of Human Rights (HAM), Natalius Pigai, responded to the raising of the Jolly Roger flag from the Japanese manga, One Piece, alongside the Indonesian flag ahead of the commemoration of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The state has the right to enforce regulations with a ban, including the raising of the One Piece flag.
Pigai stated that the state firmly reserves the right to prohibit the raising of the flag, as it is considered a violation of the law and a form of treason.
“The ban on flying the flag is an important effort to maintain national symbols as a form of respect for the state,” said Pigai.
The ban has nothing to do with restricting citizens’ freedom of expression.
“I hope the public understands that this ban is an effort to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation during historic moments such as the celebration of Independence Day. This step demonstrates how national and international law work together to maintain national stability,” he said.
Ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day, the One Piece flag has been widely circulated on social media and on the streets. This phenomenon has attracted widespread attention, as the flag is seen as a symbol of resistance.
Although flying the red and white flag is a form of expression, it is important to understand the context and boundaries of the regulations regarding flying the red and white flag.
According to Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the National Flag, Language, and Symbols, as well as the National Anthem, Article 24 expressly prohibits actions that defame or demean the honor of the National Flag, such as defacing, burning, trampling, or symbolically insulting it. However, there is no explicit prohibition on flying non-national flags, such as fictional or community flags, as long as they adhere to symbolic provisions.
The One Piece flag in question is the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates in the One Piece anime and manga. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan asked the public not to be provoked by this movement.
“As a great nation that respects history, we should all refrain from provoking people with symbols irrelevant to the nation’s struggle,” Budi explained.
The government appreciates people’s creative expression as long as it does not cross the line and harm national symbols. He assured that the government would take firm action if there were any deliberate attempts to spread this narrative.
The public is expected to appreciate and respect the services of the heroes on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. This can be done by not demeaning the Red and White flag, which is the symbol and identity of the nation.
