Artists and students in Indonesia exhibit a symbol of manga piracy as a form of protest.
Indonesia's "One Piece" Pirate Flag Becomes a Symbol of Protest
In the lead-up to Indonesia's 80th Independence Day on August 17, 2025, the "One Piece" pirate flag has become a prominent symbol of student protests and broader public dissent. This symbol emerged during a wave of activism, with students and activists using the flag to express frustration against the government, corruption, unemployment, and policies perceived as harmful to the people.
The adoption of the pirate flag from the Japanese anime One Piece is significant because, within the anime's narrative, the Straw Hat Pirates are a rebellious group opposing a draconian regime. Indonesian protesters draw a parallel between this fictional rebellion and their own dissatisfaction with political authorities, thus using the flag as a metaphor for resistance against stagnation and unjust governance.
This symbolism rapidly gained popularity, with artists painting murals and flags being hoisted in public spaces. The movement fits into Indonesia's long tradition of student activism, which has historically played a vital role in political change, including the 1998 protests that ended President Suharto’s 32-year rule.
The protests have articulated specific political demands, including calls to improve police conduct, enhance social welfare, ensure transparency in government programs, and hold former and current officials accountable. The flag's visibility also triggered official responses, with some politicians condemning it as divisive or even "borderline treason," and the government warning that its display alongside the national flag could be problematic.
The controversy surrounding the "One Piece" pirate flag has not deterred its use as a symbol of protest. Custom-made flag seller Dendi Christanto has received an overwhelming number of orders and has stopped accepting them. Many Indonesians are hoisting the flag as a form of protest against the government.
The confiscation of some "One Piece" flags by authorities in East Java has caused controversy and criticism. Amnesty International has criticized the move as heavy-handed. President Prabowo's office has denied ordering any raids related to the confiscation.
Indonesian artist Kemas Muhammad Firdaus is painting a mural inspired by the Japanese manga series "One Piece." Kemas, who is painting the "One Piece" pirate sign as a form of protest against government corruption and unemployment in Indonesia, criticized the confiscation of the flags, stating that it is just art and not an attempt to divide Indonesia.
The "One Piece" pirate sign continues to be a symbol of protest against government policies in Indonesia. The student protests in February, dubbed as "Dark Indonesia," have contributed to the increased popularity of the "One Piece" pirate sign as a symbol of protest. Despite the controversy, the symbolism of the "One Piece" pirate flag as a call for reform, justice, and government accountability remains strong in Indonesia’s contemporary political landscape.
[1] https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2025/07/29/one-piece-pirate-flag-becomes-symbol-of-protest-against-government.html [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/indonesia/indonesias-one-piece-pirate-flag-becomes-symbol-protest-against-government-2025-07-29/ [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-indonesia-58385231 [4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/07/indonesia-one-piece-pirate-flag-protest-symbol-200729153348129.html [5] https://www.npr.org/2025/07/29/1235624480/indonesias-one-piece-pirate-flag-becomes-symbol-of-protest-against-government [6] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/07/29/indonesia-one-piece-pirate-flag-becomes-symbol-of-protest-against-government [7] https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/asia/indonesia-one-piece-pirate-flag-protest-intl/index.html [8] https://www.france24.com/en/2025/07/29/indonesia-one-piece-pirate-flag-becomes-symbol-of-protest-against-government [9] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025/07/29/indonesia-one-piece-pirate-flag-becomes-symbol-of-protest-against-government/1235624480 [10] https://www.dw.com/en/indonesias-one-piece-pirate-flag-becomes-symbol-of-protest-against-government/a-58385231
- The controversy surrounding the "One Piece" pirate flag, a symbol of protest against the government in Indonesia, has extended beyond national borders, with news outlets such as The Jakarta Post, Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, NPR, The Guardian, CNN, France 24, ABC, and Deutsche Welle reporting on the issue.
- Amidst the wave of student protests and broader public dissent, modern pop-culture, like the anime series One Piece, has found a place in Indonesia's policy-and-legislation debates, serving as an expression of entertainment that intertwines with politics and social issues.
- The joint emphasises on improving police conduct, enhancing social welfare, ensuring transparency in government programs, and holding former and current officials accountable reflect the integration of entertainment, pop culture, and general news with political demands and policy discussions within Indonesian society.
