Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan stated that the hoisting of a flag associated with the Japanese manga series One Piece could be seen as a potential threat to Indonesia’s national flag, the Red and White.

As a great nation that respects its history, he said, it is only natural to refrain from provocative actions using symbols that are irrelevant to the national struggle. He made this statement in a press release received in Jakarta on Friday.

His remarks were in response to an online trend in which Indonesian netizens have been sharing photos and videos of the Straw Hat Pirates’ flag—a symbol from One Piece—displayed on homes, vehicles, and in public spaces as the country approaches its 80th Independence Day anniversary.

In the series, pirate crews use Jolly Rogers—typically skull-and-crossbones flags on a black background—to symbolize freedom and defiance against authority. Some Indonesians appear to be flying these flags as a form of protest or criticism of the government.

Minister Gunawan emphasized that while the government appreciates and protects the right to free expression, such actions must not compromise the dignity of the nation and its symbols.

He referred to Article 24, Paragraph 1, of Law No. 24 of 2009 on the Flag, Language, State Emblem, and National Anthem, which prohibits raising any other flag above the Red and White. Doing so is considered a form of desecration.

He explained that this is part of the effort to safeguard the dignity and symbols of the state.

Although the government has not explicitly banned the online trend, the minister appealed to the public to avoid actions that could undermine the identity of the national flag, especially as Indonesia prepares to celebrate eight decades of independence.

While not explicitly banning the online trend, the minister appealed to the public to avoid any action that could undermine the national flag’s identity, especially as the country prepares to celebrate eight decades of independence.

He concluded by saying that respecting the national flag is equivalent to honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes.



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