State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said, however, the One Piece flag must not be pitted against the national flag.
“It is okay when (the flag is hoisted) as a form of expression. But we must not bring it into conflict to or fly it to oppose the Red-and-White flag. As Indonesians, we must recognize that the Red-and-White is our only (national flag),” he said here on Tuesday.
The minister urged residents not to act inappropriately ahead of Independence Day, which falls on August 17. The sanctity of the “month of independence” must be preserved to honor the national heroes who fought for the nation, he said.
Hadi also urged the younger generation to show their love for the country by respecting national symbols, including the national flag.
“We must love our nation and love the Red and White flag. Love it with our body and soul. No matter what we face, we must love our country and love its symbols, the Red and White flag,” the minister remarked.
His statement came in response to a recent trend of Indonesian netizens sharing photos and videos of the fictional flag displayed in homes, vehicles, and public spaces ahead of Independence Day.
In the One Piece series, the Straw Hat Pirates’ flag represents defiance against an oppressive world government and a pursuit of freedom and justice.
Riding a social media trend, Indonesian netizens have been using the anime flag to express their dissatisfaction over perceived corruption and injustice in the country.
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Translator: Fathur R/Mentari DG, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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