“In my view, such a form of expression is a natural phenomenon in a democracy, as long as it does not contradict the Constitution,” he told the media during an official visit to Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Saturday.
While expressing no objection to the trend, he emphasized that Indonesia’s Red and White national flag must take precedence.
He urged the public to respect and raise the national flag throughout the country in celebration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day on August 17.
In this context, he noted that President Prabowo Subianto had instructed ministers to represent the central government in border regions to ensure the national flag is properly flown.
“Regarding the One Piece flag trend, we see it as a way for people to express themselves and convey their expectations, which we accept as input,” Sugiarto said.
The former mayor of Bogor reiterated that citizens are not forbidden from flying the fictional flag as a form of criticism of the state. He compared it to the common practice of Indonesians displaying the flags of their groups or organizations.
“All flags are allowed to fly, except for those representing banned organizations or ideologies,” he stated.
These remarks were made in response to the viral trend of residents flying the flag of the Straw Hat Pirates—the main characters in One Piece—on homes, vehicles, and in public areas. Photos and videos showing the flag have been widely circulated on social media ahead of Indonesia’s upcoming Independence Day.
In the One Piece universe, pirate groups use fictional Jolly Rogers—typically a skull and crossbones on a black field—as symbols of freedom and defiance against oppressive powers, rather than fear.
This symbolism has resonated with some Indonesians who have adopted the flag as a subtle form of protest or political expression. This modern interpretation contrasts with the historical use of pirate flags, which were meant to instill terror and signal imminent violence during naval battles.
Related news: Indonesia urged to honor National Flag amid viral 'One Piece' trend
Translator: Sugiharto P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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