Protesters' flag branded as pirate-related is being targeted by Indonesian authorities for suppression
Indonesia, a nation known for its vibrant culture and diverse population, is currently witnessing a unique form of political protest. The One Piece pirate flag, a symbol associated with a fictional pirate crew from the Japanese anime, One Piece, is being flown by many Indonesians in homes, cars, and public spaces as a sign of resistance against perceived corruption, lack of economic opportunity, and authoritarian tendencies in the current administration.
The controversy surrounding the flag's use stems from its perceived disrespect for the national red-and-white flag. Indonesian law mandates that the national flag should not be flown lower than other flags. Government officials view the widespread display of the One Piece pirate flag, often displayed alongside or in place of the national flag, as provocative and divisive. The government has warned against flying it next to the national flag or on official Independence Day celebrations, fearing it could be inflammatory and a threat to national unity. Some politicians have even labeled the protesters’ use of the flag as borderline treasonous, fearing it symbolizes a growing challenge to state authority.
The One Piece pirate flag, with its Jolly Roger skull and straw hat, represents the crew's challenge to oppressive regimes. Khariq Anhar, a 24-year-old university student in Sumatra's Riau Province, stated that he raised the flag because he believes the national flag is too sacred to be raised in a corrupt country. Andri Saputra, a food seller, has flown the pirate ensign below an Indonesian flag at his home for a week, expressing his desire to be able to decide what symbols he displays.
However, the government is taking a firm stance against the use of the pirate flag. Police in Banten Province and West Java Province have threatened action if the flag is flown next to the national flag. A printing business owner in Central Java had his facility raided by plain-clothes police to halt its production of the pirate emblem.
Experts believe unhappy Indonesians are using the pirate flag as a way to express anti-government feeling indirectly. Dedi Dinarto, a lead Indonesia analyst at advisory firm Global Counsel, stated that symbols like the pirate flag allow people to channel frustration without spelling it out. Usman Hamid, the executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, stated that raising the One Piece flag as a form of criticism is a part of the freedom of speech and is guaranteed by the constitution.
The basis for any punishment regarding the flag's use is a law that prohibits flying a symbol higher than the national flag. Indonesian State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that Prabowo Subianto, the President, has no issue with "expression of creativity," but the pirate flag should not be placed side by side with the national flag in a way that invites comparison. Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan warned against creating provocation with symbols that are not relevant to the country's struggle.
The use of the One Piece pirate flag reflects broader disillusionment and fear of declining democracy reminiscent of the Suharto era. The flag's popularity underscores the growing dissatisfaction among Indonesians with the current state of their government, and the need for meaningful reform and change.
[1] Khariq Anhar expresses concern over limited freedom of speech in Indonesia. [2] Rights groups claim the response to the use of the pirate flag is excessive. [3] The flag might be banned from flying next to Indonesia's colors, or being raised on Aug. 17, the 80th independence anniversary after Japan's surrender at the end of World War II. [4] Government officials view the flag's use as an attempt to divide the nation. [5] Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan warned against creating provocation with symbols that are not relevant to the country's struggle.
- Khariq Anhar, a university student in Sumatra's Riau Province, believes that the limited freedom of speech in Indonesia is one of the reasons he raised the One Piece pirate flag as a symbol of resistance.
- Rights groups have criticized the government's response to the use of the One Piece pirate flag as excessive, stating that it infringes upon the Constitution-guaranteed freedom of speech.
