Why is an anime pirate flag causing uproar ahead of Indonesia's independence day?

A fictional pirate flag from the widely popular Japanese anime One Piece — known as the Jolly Roger — has gained prominence in various regions of Indonesia ahead of the country’s 80th Independence Day.

In the lead-up to the milestone, the country’s cities, towns, and rural communities are typically adorned with the national red-and-white flag, hoisted with pride on homes, public buildings, and commercial spaces.

However, in recent weeks, a different flag has made an appearance in several neighbourhoods and social media platforms: a black banner marked by a skull wearing a straw hat — the flag of the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece, one of the world’s most-watched anime franchises.

The flag is well-known to fans of the anime and manga series as a symbol carried by the fictional crew led by protagonist Monkey D Luffy.

In the story, this emblem signifies resistance to oppression, pursuit of freedom, and loyalty among outcasts who defy unjust authority.

How the One Piece flag protests spread

The spread of the pirate-themed flag appears to have been amplified through social media, where photos and videos of it flying from balconies, motorbikes, and flagpoles began circulating widely in July.

In some instances, the flag was even placed beside or near the Indonesian national flag — a move that stirred emotional and political reactions from various quarters.

Online, many users expressed frustration with the current state of governance and used the flag to articulate that dissatisfaction in symbolic terms.

One widely shared post declared, “The red-and-white flag is too sacred for us to raise right now, at a time when many people are still colonised by those in power.”

Another stated the One Piece flag represents “the spirit of resistance against injustice” that continues to persist in the country.

The sentiment behind these posts was echoed by thousands online, some of whom went further by modifying official Independence Day emblems to incorporate the straw-hatted skull motif.

These acts of symbolic reappropriation have not gone unnoticed by authorities, many of whom have characterised the trend as disrespectful and potentially divisive.

How the Indonesian govt has reacted

Several lawmakers and ministers have openly criticised the phenomenon, warning that it could erode national unity during one of the most important civic celebrations on the calendar.

Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a senior figure in the Gerindra Party, described the trend as being potentially orchestrated and warned of deliberate efforts to destabilise the nation.

He asserted that the hoisting of the One Piece flag did not appear to be coincidental and may be linked to a larger agenda. “It could be used to sow division in the unity and integrity of the nation,” he told local media.

Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Budi Gunawan also weighed in, warning citizens against displaying the anime flag during Independence Day events.

Citing Law No. 24/2009 on national symbols, he said such acts could fall within the bounds of criminal activity if perceived as disrespecting or insulting the national flag.

“Those flying the One Piece flag on August 17 could face criminal consequences,” he cautioned, referring to the legal framework that penalises any action that undermines the sanctity of the national emblem.

Natalius Pigai, the minister for Human Rights, reiterated the state’s position, saying the government was within its rights to restrict the flag if it was seen as conflicting with the constitutional spirit of unity.

“I hope that the people understand that this prohibition is for the sake of national unity and integrity during a historical moment, such as the Independence Day commemoration,” he said.

How police in Indonesia are tackling the trend

Several regional police departments have initiated surveillance efforts and issued statements calling for restraint.

In Central Jakarta, police have begun actively monitoring public spaces for the appearance of any non-national flags or symbols that could undermine patriotic sentiment during August.

“We’re monitoring the use of non-national flags and symbols that don’t align with the spirit of nationalism, including pirate or fictional-themed flags,” said Ruslan Basuki, spokesman for the Central Jakarta Police told local media.

He added that the police were employing a persuasive and educational strategy and that no arrests or legal actions had been taken so far.

“We haven’t found any criminal violations. But anyone flying non-national flags will be advised to act wisely and show respect for national symbols,” he explained.

In the province of Banten, Deputy Police Chief Hengki issued a more stern warning, cautioning that flying the One Piece flag in close proximity to the national flag could be interpreted as disrespectful.

“We’ll take firm action if we find any violations,” he stated.

On the island of Belitung, the local National Unity and Politics Agency took steps to discourage the display of the pirate flag.

“We’re asking people not to raise the One Piece flag, especially as we celebrate the Republic’s 80th anniversary,” said Fedy Malonda, head of the agency. “It just doesn’t fit with our national symbols.”

Meanwhile, in Bali, authorities offered a more relaxed perspective. Bali Police spokesperson Ariasandy noted that the flag’s use did not, by itself, constitute a violation of any national law.

“As long as it doesn’t violate any established national regulations, it’s not an issue,” he said.

Nonetheless, he encouraged citizens to focus on the red-and-white flag, adding, “Let’s proudly raise our national flag as a sign of gratitude and respect for our independence heroes.”

Why Indonesia is protesting

In a widely shared article on Medium, writer Farhan Rizqullah contextualised the movement as a response to what many citizens perceive as performative nationalism.

He noted that President Prabowo Subianto’s recent call for citizens to display the national flag throughout August was met with scepticism by those who feel disconnected from the government’s promises.

“They saw it as a demand for performative patriotism from a government whose policies they felt were failing the people, especially the lower classes,” Rizqullah wrote. “So, they responded with a symbol of their own.”

Although many officials have condemned the flag’s use, not all voices within the government are calling for suppression.

Some politicians and observers view the movement as an opportunity to reflect on the state of civic engagement and freedom of expression in Indonesia.

Deddy Yevri Sitorus, a Member of Parliament from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, said the act of flying the anime flag could be viewed as a form of nonviolent political criticism.

“It should be seen as a public expression of criticism, which is part of a democratic society,” he stated. “This kind of symbolic action is better than street protests that could turn violent.”

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto echoed this line of thought. “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 Antara news agency, while reaffirming that the red-and-white flag must remain the dominant national symbol.

From a legal standpoint, there is no explicit prohibition in Indonesia against displaying cultural or fictional flags on private property.

According to official protocols, the red-and-white national flag must always be placed in the position of honour if displayed alongside any other flags.

However, no laws outright ban non-national symbols unless they are used in ways deemed disrespectful or seditious.

With inputs from agencies