Maintaining the Honor of National Symbols Amidst the Wave of Pirate Flag Pop Culture

Jakarta – As Indonesia marks the 80th anniversary of its independence in August 2025, it is crucial for the public to maintain the honor of national symbols, particularly the Red and White Flag, amidst the viral trend of waving pirate flags from the anime series One Piece on social media. This phenomenon has drawn mixed responses, particularly regarding the boundaries between freedom of expression and respect for official state symbols.

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), stated that he understands the One Piece flag as part of creativity and popular cultural expression. However, he emphasized that the use of the national flag is strictly regulated by law.

“We are all responsible for maintaining the honor of national symbols, while maintaining a healthy and constructive dialogue. Let’s celebrate the 80th anniversary of Indonesian independence with enthusiasm, remaining critical, but always prioritizing the unity of the Indonesian nation,” said Ibas.

He urged all parties, including the nation’s youth, to use Independence Day as a momentum to strengthen love for the homeland, maintain unity, uphold national symbols, and maintain a healthy and constructive dialogue.

“We understand the spirit of creativity and love for popular culture. However, we must always remember that the Red and White Flag is a symbol of the unity and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation,” he said.

The Democratic Party politician stated that the Red and White flag is not just an ordinary symbol. It also represents the nation’s long struggle, a reminder of the values of Pancasila, and a strong symbol of the national spirit that unites all elements of Indonesia.

“As we approach the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence on August 17, 2025, let us prioritize the Red and White as a manifestation of love for the homeland and respect for our heroes,” Ibas emphasized.

Echoing Ibas, Hero Harappano Mandouw, a member of Commission III of the Central Kalimantan Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), reminded us that independence celebrations must be conducted respectfully and in an orderly manner.

“We all certainly want to celebrate this independence with great joy, but we must not let this euphoria cause us to forget the nation’s noble values,” he said.

Furthermore, Hero highlighted the viral trend of flying the One Piece pirate flag on social media. He emphasized that there should be no attempt to replace or demean the national symbol, the Red and White flag, which was championed by the nation’s forefathers.

“The Red and White flag is our identity and pride as Indonesians. No one should try to replace it with another symbol, whatever the reason,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU) Pringsewu Regency Branch, H. Muhammad Faizin, reminded that the national flag is not simply a colored cloth, but a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty, struggle, and honor. He argued that while flying a fictional symbol under the Red and White may be intended for entertainment, it has the potential to lead to multiple interpretations and violate the sacredness of the national symbol.

“Just as the nation’s founders and heroes fought for it with their blood and lives, it is only right that we all respect it with full awareness and respect,” he said.

He further stated that, from an Islamic perspective, respecting agreed-upon symbols as a form of appreciation for shared values is part of good manners and wisdom.

“We greatly appreciate the creativity of young people, but such expression must remain within the bounds of ethics, propriety, and good manners, both Islamically and nationally,” he said.*