Denpasar (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Home Affairs Ministry has responded to the campaign of hoisting the flag of the Straw Hat Pirates from the Japanese comic and animation series One Piece as Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day anniversary approaches.

Director General of Politics and General Administrative Affairs at the ministry, Bahtiar Baharuddin, underlined that while it is not illegal for residents to fly such a flag, the public should focus on displaying the Indonesian Red and White flag as the symbol that unites the nation.

“Yes, all citizens are permitted to do so, but it is important to remember that it is the Red and White flag that binds us together as a nation amid our cultural diversity,” he remarked in Denpasar City, Bali, on Friday.

He made the statement in response to a trend on social media, where Indonesian netizens have shared photos and videos of the fictional Jolly Roger, or pirate flag, being flown on homes, vehicles, and in public spaces as the nation prepares to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its Independence Day on August 17.

In One Piece, pirates use a Jolly Roger, usually featuring a skull against a black background, as a symbol of freedom and defiance against authorities.

This has led to some people on social media adopting the hoisting of the Straw Hat flag as an unusual way to voice criticism of the Indonesian government’s performance.

In this context, Baharuddin stressed that governing a large and diverse country like Indonesia is not an easy task, especially amid evolving regional and global challenges.

“It is not easy to govern this country in a world marked by tariff wars and armed conflicts,” he stated.

He therefore encouraged the public to adopt a more optimistic perspective regarding the nation’s future under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

“We should focus on how to overcome the many challenges we face as our country turns 80 years old,” he remarked.

He concluded by reiterating the importance of working together under the Red and White flag to tackle these shared challenges.

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Translator: Ni Putu Putri, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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