Pirate Flags Are Not Part of the Spirit of Independence

Jakarta – The phenomenon of flying pirate flags by some people, particularly young people, at various activities throughout August has drawn public attention and raised concerns. This action is considered not to reflect the spirit of struggle and the values ​​of Indonesian independence, and has the potential to undermine the meaning of the Independence Day commemoration.

Various national figures, academics, and community organizations have strongly condemned this trend. They emphasized that pirate flags are not a symbol of the nation’s struggle and have no place in the context of commemorating the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Furthermore, if the symbol is used to replace the Red and White flag, this is considered a serious deviation from national values.

“Indonesia’s independence was achieved with the blood and tears of heroes. Replacing a symbol of struggle like the Red and White with a pirate flag—which is synonymous with piracy and chaos—is an insult to the nation’s history,” asserted Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan.

Similarly, Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, reminded the public not to be carried away by the euphoria of popular culture to the point of ignoring national values.

“Problems arise when the national symbol, the Red and White, is replaced with other symbols during official or state activities. This is wrong and cannot be justified constitutionally,” he said.

Criticism has also come from academics and student organizations. Muksin Mahu, the Central Coordinator of the Nusantara Student Executive Board (BEM Nusantara), called this trend a phenomenon that endangers the spirit of national unity.

“The flag is not just a piece of cloth. It is the nation’s identity and pride. We have a responsibility to protect it, especially during Independence Day,” he said.

Sociologist Garlika Martanegara believes this phenomenon reflects a lack of symbolic literacy among the younger generation. He believes serious efforts are needed to strengthen understanding of nationalism through education and extensive outreach.

“Raising the pirate flag during Independence Day will only weaken respect for the nation’s historical struggle. This is a symptom of an identity crisis that must be addressed immediately,” he explained.

The government also warned that the use of symbols other than the national flag in official contexts, let alone replacing it, violates Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the National Flag, Language, and Emblem. The public is urged to be wiser in expressing themselves, especially during sacred moments such as the commemoration of Independence Day.