Stop Provocation Through Raising Pirate Flags
Jakarta – The government has urged people not to be provoked by negative narratives that attempt to equate national symbols with pop culture attributes, such as the raising of pirate flags. This phenomenon is considered to trigger misunderstandings and obscure the noble meaning of the Red and White as a symbol of national unity.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, stated that his ministry considers such movements a form of provocation that could diminish the authority and dignity of the Red and White flag.
“As a great nation that respects history, we should all refrain from provoking people with symbols irrelevant to the nation’s struggle,” said Budi Gunawan.
Budi Gunawan emphasized that the government greatly appreciates all forms of citizen creativity in expression as long as it does not cross boundaries and harm national symbols.
However, if the government detects any deliberate attempt to spread such narratives, he assured that the government will take firm action.
“There are criminal consequences for actions that violate the honor of the Red and White flag. Law Number 24 of 2009, Article 24 paragraph (1), states, ‘Everyone is prohibited from flying the National Flag under any other flag or symbol.’ This is our effort to protect the dignity and symbols of the state,” he emphasized.
Budi Gunawan further expressed his hope that during this month of independence, the public would appreciate and respect the services of our heroes by not demeaning the Red and White flag, which has become a symbol and identity of the state.
Meanwhile, Anto Kusumayuda, Chairman of the National Network of Activists Movement Association of 98 (PPJNA 98), stated that the use of foreign symbols such as the pirate flag should not be underestimated, especially when exploited to frame provocative narratives that have the potential to divide the nation.
“This is not just a matter of a fictional flag from anime. This is about how certain forces are trying to exploit popular symbols to build counter-identities, infiltrate subversive messages, and incite conflict between community groups, and even between state institutions,” Anto said.
Anto explained that the use of popular cultural symbols in political rallies is nothing new, but in Indonesia’s sensitive context of social disintegration and conflict, such efforts must be cautious.
“Symbols like the One Piece flag, which on the surface may seem funny or cool, can actually be used as a tool for psychological manipulation. This is especially true if they are used in mass movements that lack a clear structure and vision. It is very dangerous if behind them lies a hidden agenda from groups seeking to undermine the democratic order,” he stressed.
The government, along with various elements of society, continues to advocate for a spirit of unity and nationalism. Stopping provocative narratives involving the pirate flag symbol is an important step to maintain national dignity and strengthen unity towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
