Maintaining the Dignity of the Red and White Flag, One Piece Flag Provocation Must Be Rejected

JAKARTA – The phenomenon of raising the One Piece pirate flag ahead of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia has drawn serious attention from various groups. Although considered an expression of popular culture, the raising of a non-state flag during state events is considered to undermine the meaning and sanctity of national symbols.

The Chairman of the Ansor Cyber Agency, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Ahmad Luthfi, warned that raising a flag other than the Red and White during independence celebrations could undermine the spirit of nationalism.

“National symbols like the Red and White must not be overshadowed by any popular culture,” Ahmad Luthfi emphasized.

He added that the commemoration of independence should be interpreted with pride in the nation’s identity, not by imitating foreign symbols, especially those that do not reflect the values of the struggle.

Anna Mu’awanah, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the National Awakening Party (PKB), urged all parties to be aware of the widespread raising of the One Peace flag in various regions, especially leading up to and during the month of Indonesian independence.

“I’m worried that if we ignore it, things like this could erode the younger generation’s sensitivity to symbols of struggle and national identity,” said Anna.

According to Anna, excessive pop culture expression could be a hidden threat to patriotism.

“We must not lose our historical footing and national identity in the name of freedom of expression,” she said.

She believes that the pirate flag, although derived from entertainment culture, has a negative image and should not be used in a national context.

Furthermore, legal activist Mohammad Trijanto, S.H., M.M., M.H., considers flying a fictional symbol in place of the national flag a serious act.

“Replacing the Red and White flag with a fictional pirate flag from a foreign culture is an act of constitutional abuse and a degradation of national dignity. This is not a matter of creativity, it’s a violation of the law,” said Trijanto.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), urged the public to return to the noble value of unity.

“The Red and White flag is a symbol of the unity and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation,” said Ibas.

According to him, respect for the national symbol is a form of appreciation for the long history of the struggle for independence and the foundation of national unity.

Similarly, Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, also emphasized the importance of displaying appropriate state attributes.

“We must focus on the future, this is the commemoration of Indonesia’s independence, so our flag must be the primary one,” said Fadli Zon.

He hopes that the August 17th celebrations will be filled with a spirit of full nationalism and respect for the national symbols that have united the nation for eight decades.