Indonesia to Nepal: How anime One Piece’s ‘pirate flag’ has become symbol of protest

The skull-and-straw hat pirate flag from the Japanese anime ‘One Piece’ has now become the emblem of Nepal’s anti-government protests.

Earlier in August, the same flag caused debate in Indonesia after it was used as a sign of resistance against the authorities.

In Nepal, mass demonstrations led largely by teenagers and young adults forced the prime minister to resign, while the army was deployed to guard key areas.

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Frustration over corruption, inequality and the temporary ban on social media pushed people, particularly Gen Z, to take to the streets.

So why has this flag taken centre stage in Nepal’s protests now? And what exactly happened in Indonesia last month?

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Let’s take a look:

‘One Piece’ flag protest in Nepal

After being used as a sign of resistance in Indonesia last month, the famous straw hat pirate flag from the anime ‘One Piece’ has now appeared at anti-government protests in Nepal.

According to media reports, thousands of Gen Z demonstrators opposing censorship, corruption and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s rule raised the straw hat pirates’ Jolly Roger to present their demands.

After Indonesia, Nepal is also using the Straw Hat flag as protests against corruption#ONEPIECE1160 pic.twitter.com/bUUGblEmSp

— 𝘕𝘰𝘢 (@Noa_Op0) September 9, 2025

The protests in Nepal have largely been described as a Gen Z movement. They grew out of anger over corruption, frustration with nepotism in politics and the temporary ban on social media.

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The government later withdrew the ban after huge demonstrations, but protesters kept up their calls for Oli to step down.

Many were seen carrying the pirate flag from ‘One Piece’, marked by a skull wearing a straw hat while holding up their schoolbooks.

One Piece For Real‼️🔥

One Piece Flag Used One More Time For Protest in Nepal 💀#ONEPIECE1160 #OnePieceDay pic.twitter.com/YYQJ4f3TRx

— NavjotVerse (@iNavi0786) September 10, 2025

Sudan Gurung, who is at the forefront of the protests, is the president of Hami Nepal, an organisation involved in post-earthquake recovery and emergency relief work.

Earlier, Gurung and Hami Nepal appealed for peaceful demonstrations on September 8. They also circulated a few videos titled ‘how to protest’, urging students to attend the rally in their school uniforms and to carry their books and bags.

In the series, flying a Jolly Roger is a declaration of freedom on the seas and the pursuit of dreams without regard for rules.

For the protesters, the flag has come to represent their refusal to remain silent.

Placards reading “#WAKEUPNEPAL” and “UNMUTE YOUR VOICE” were also seen alongside the Straw Hat flag at rallies.

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What happened in Indonesia?

The flag made headlines earlier when it appeared in several parts of Indonesia in the run-up to the country’s 80th Independence Day.

In the weeks before the event, cities, villages, and neighbourhoods across the country are usually decorated with the red-and-white national flag, displayed on homes, offices, and shops.

However, a pirate-style flag spread rapidly, boosted by social media, where photos and videos of it on balconies, motorbikes, and flagpoles were shared in July.

A bandeira dos Piratas do Chapéu de Palha de ONE PIECE presente em diversos lugares da Indonésia como símbolo de protesto contra o atual governo do País.

O governo indonésio considera este movimento como um ato de rebelião. pic.twitter.com/GbAuKHEody

— Otakus Brasil 🍥 (@_OtakusBR) August 2, 2025

On some occasions, the pirate flag was placed next to the Indonesian flag, which sparked emotional and political debate in different circles.

Many social media users expressed frustration with the way the country is being governed, using the flag as a way to send a symbolic message.

One person wrote that the ‘One Piece’ flag shows “the spirit of resistance against injustice” that still exists in Indonesia.

Thousands supported this view online, with some even changing Independence Day symbols to include the skull and straw hat design.

A number of ministers and lawmakers strongly criticised the trend, saying it could threaten unity at a time of national pride and celebration.

Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Budi Gunawan advised people not to raise the anime flag during Independence Day.

“Those flying the One Piece flag on August 17 could face criminal consequences,” he said, citing laws that protect the dignity of the national emblem.

Nepal protests

Crowds of protesters torched government offices and the homes of politicians, while some leaders were attacked. The prime minister stepped down as anger towards the political class grew.

Large groups remained on the streets into the night, blocking roads and forcing their way into state buildings. Army helicopters were used to move some ministers to safety.

Earlier, protests swept through the capital, where police opened fire on the crowds, killing 19 people. Although the ban was lifted on Tuesday, the demonstrations continued.

In a recorded message, Nepal’s army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel appealed to the public to end the unrest, warning of more deaths and damage if it continued, and urged them to join talks instead.

With inputs from agencies