Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan wore a T-shirt inspired by the Japanese comic and animation series One Piece to boost the morale of striking workers in Padang Pariaman district, West Sumatra.
“First, this is meant to show that Mr. Prabowo Subianto runs his administration based on solidarity (with the people),” he said after meeting with representatives from PT Bumi Sarimas Indonesia (PT BSI) and its labor union in Padang Pariaman on Thursday.
He emphasized that his One Piece-themed T-shirt symbolized the government’s opposition to the injustice experienced by PT BSI workers, whose salaries have been withheld by the company for the past four months.
“In other words, this is proof of our solidarity with the laborers and that the state is present for the people,” Gerungan stressed.
The deputy minister’s symbolic act came amid a viral online trend of Indonesian citizens hoisting the pirate flag from the Japanese series at home and on vehicles ahead of the 80th Independence Day anniversary.
The Straw Hat Pirates’ flag has a black background with two crossed bones and a grinning skull wearing the iconic straw hat of Monkey D. Luffy -- the pirates’ captain and One Piece’s main character.
More and more citizens have begun joining the online phenomenon -- either by hoisting the flag, sharing related photos and videos, or defending it amid controversy. Supporters argue that the flag reflects public dissatisfaction with perceived corruption and injustice among officials.
The trend has drawn mixed reactions from top officials in government and parliament, with some taking a firm stance on it and others responding more leniently.
To clarify the government’s position, President Prabowo, through State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, said that he does not object to the flag-raising and considers it to be a creative form of free expression.
However, the minister urged the public to treat the Red and White national flag with respect and refrain from using the pirate ensign in ways that demean the national symbol.
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Translator: Muhammad Z, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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