INTERNATIONAL – As Indonesia approaches its 80th Independence Day on August 17, an unusual and provocative symbol has emerged in the public sphere: the black pirate flag of the Jolly Roger from the Japanese anime One Piece. What began as a protest by truck drivers in Java—opposing government enforcement of ODOL (Over-Dimension, Overload) truck bans—has since evolved into a broader expression of dissent, spreading across rooftops, online platforms, and even public airspaces.
Initially flown as a symbol of frustration among logistics workers, the flag’s visibility has increased dramatically in recent weeks. For some, its presence signals defiance against government regulations and broader dissatisfaction with the current administration under President Prabowo Subianto.
Government officials have responded firmly. Deputy Speaker of the House Sufmi Dasco Ahmad characterized the movement as an orchestrated attempt to undermine national unity, while Coordinating Minister Budi Gunawan warned that flying unofficial flags during the Independence Day season violates national traditions and may be illegal. Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai went as far as to suggest that the act could be interpreted as subversive, warranting legal consequences for those involved.
Read More: Gaza Medical Staff Starve While Treating Malnourished Kids
However, not all perspectives align with this strict interpretation. Deputy Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi clarified that displaying the One Piece flag is not illegal, provided it does not replace or overshadow the official Indonesian national flag. He emphasized that such expressions should be seen as part of a healthy democracy, where public sentiment can be voiced creatively.
Political experts and sociologists have also weighed in. Analysts like Adip Rayitno of UIN Jakarta interpret the trend as a symbolic protest—a peaceful outlet for expressing dissatisfaction without engaging in mass demonstrations. Social observer Ubedilah Badrun noted that the flag resonates with Indonesia’s younger generation, tapping into themes of rebellion and resistance popularized in media and youth culture.
Human rights groups such as Amnesty International Indonesia have expressed concern over the government’s reaction. Spokesperson Usman Hamid criticized actions like raids and confiscations as excessive, warning that such responses could infringe on the constitutional right to free expression. According to Amnesty, peaceful display of symbols—even those borrowed from fictional sources—must not be conflated with acts of treason.
Read More: GPR Technology Helps Cities Stop Sinkholes Before They Form
At the heart of the controversy lies a deeper symbolic narrative. In One Piece, the Jolly Roger represents a crew of misfits resisting corrupt world authorities. Protesters in Indonesia appear to draw a parallel between the anime’s fictional world government and perceived authoritarian tendencies within their own political system. By using the flag as a cultural shorthand, they channel dissent through a shared visual language—one that resonates with millions familiar with the anime’s themes of freedom and defiance.
This unexpected phenomenon has sparked a national debate on the boundaries between protest and patriotism. While some view the flag as a dangerous symbol of rebellion, others see it as a legitimate form of cultural and political commentary.
