Affirming the Sacredness of Indonesian Independence Day from Popular Foreign Symbols
By: Dani Maulana
Every August 17th, Indonesians commemorate Independence Day with a spirit of unity, respect for history, and pride in national identity. However, in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia this year, public attention has been drawn to the unusual phenomenon of the widespread use of popular foreign symbols, particularly the pirate flag known as the Jolly Roger, in the context of independence celebrations.
This symbol, originating from Western maritime culture and now popularized through anime series, has become a hot topic on social media. Some young people are waving it as a form of freedom of expression, even making it an alternative symbol of “resistance against injustice.” However, the government has firmly stated that such actions are unacceptable, especially in public spaces of a state nature.
In a swift and firm response, several state officials reminded that the sacredness of Indonesian Independence Day is not just about ceremony, but also about respect for official state symbols, particularly the red and white flag. The government believes that independence celebrations should not be confused with fictitious symbols that lack historical roots in the nation’s struggle. Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, firmly stated that raising a pirate flag in the context of Indonesian Independence Day is a wrong move that has the potential to harm nationalist values.
He also reminded that the independence fighters never fought for foreign symbols. They sacrificed themselves for one goal: to fly the red and white flag throughout the archipelago. Therefore, he argued, normalizing the use of foreign symbols in independence celebrations could slowly erode national identity. The free use of foreign symbols, especially in a state context such as the commemoration of Independence Day, has the potential to create a distance between the younger generation and their own national history.
Over time, this could give rise to the mistaken perception that national symbols are no longer relevant or sufficiently representative of contemporary expression. In fact, in this era of fluid globalization, strengthening national identity is crucial to prevent the nation from losing its direction and identity. The use of the Red and White is not merely an annual ritual, but rather a form of respect for the values, history, and collective identity that have been fought for with blood and tears.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that replacing or competing with national symbols with symbols of popular culture, even in the context of entertainment, is unconstitutional. This is in accordance with Law Number 24 of 2009, which states that the National Flag may not be flown under or together with any flag or symbol that is not part of the national emblem.
Furthermore, the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs emphasized the importance of leading by example in celebrating independence. He stated that the government is not against youth creativity, but that boundaries regarding sovereignty and official state symbols must be maintained within the framework of public ethics and the constitution. The emergence of foreign symbols in the context of statehood is a symptom of a lack of historical literacy and national insight, especially among the younger digital generation. Therefore, as a preventative measure, the government needs to encourage schools and universities to more actively educate students about the meaning of national symbols, including the history of the Red and White flag, the national anthem, and the importance of upholding the sanctity of the commemoration of independence.
The phenomenon of foreign symbols being misused during sacred moments such as the Indonesian Independence Day demonstrates that future challenges to nationalism come not only from physical or economic threats, but also from cultural and symbolic aspects. The government, through relevant ministries and institutions, has demonstrated firmness in upholding the honor of national symbols. However, these efforts cannot be successful if carried out solely by the state. A collective movement is needed from families, schools, community organizations, and the media to continue instilling a spirit of patriotism in creative yet dignified forms.
The 80th anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day should be an opportune time to re-evaluate who we are as a nation. Red and white is not just a color, but a symbol of millions of sacrifices that should not be demeaned or equated with a fictional symbol. The government has clearly demonstrated its support for the spirit of nationalism and the protection of national symbols.
