As we
approach Indonesia's 80th Independence Day on August 17, 2025, an unusual
phenomenon has caught my attention—and that of many others online. Over the
past week, social media has been buzzing with discussions around a surprising
sight: the Jolly Roger pirate flag from the anime One Piece being
raised alongside or even in place of the national Red and White flag.
As a
fan of both anime and civic awareness, I find this both fascinating and worth
deeper reflection.
On X.com
(formerly Twitter), the word "Bendera" (flag) trended at
the top of Indonesian topics, with over 15,700 tweets as of Friday,
August 1. The posts mostly featured images and videos of One Piece flags
fluttering from rooftops, balconies, and open fields across Indonesia.
Naturally,
reactions have been split. Some netizens support the trend, while others
condemn it. The pro-flag crowd argues that this is more than fandom—it’s
a form of protest. For them, the Jolly Roger isn’t just Luffy’s symbol; it’s a
metaphor for rebellion against a system they believe is failing the people.
They claim it’s not about disrespecting the nation, but about holding the
government accountable.
Here
are a few powerful quotes from supporters:
- "Red and white on top, One Piece
below. Still love the country, but not the government. The Red and White
is too sacred for a broken nation." — @Anak__***
- "Don’t ask why the One Piece flag is
flying in Konoha—ask why the rulers are blind and deaf to the people's
suffering." — @K4rt***
- "I smell new regulations coming to
stop people from raising the One Piece flag."
— @dandelion***
On the
other hand, the critics see this as dangerous provocation—an act of
disrespect, even a political stunt. They suggest the movement is being hijacked
by certain political groups trying to spark unrest or revive old grievances.
Some
of their concerns include:
- "Do you think digital footprints
won’t be traced? The One Piece flag movement has always been backed by
losers posing as creatives, riding trends, and violating copyrights.
Pirate outfits and pirate ethics, no surprise."
— @kangde***
- "Now there’s a growing push to ditch
the Red and White for One Piece flags. We know who’s behind this—those
still nursing defeat, hiding behind the guise of criticism."
— @arieftasr***
From
my point of view, this debate goes far beyond anime. It’s about how symbols
are being used to express identity, frustration, and even rebellion. While
the government should listen to the deeper messages behind such symbolic acts,
I also believe that our national flag deserves utmost respect,
especially during a sacred time like Independence Day.
Still,
this phenomenon reminds us of the power of pop culture—and how even a pirate
flag from a fictional world can spark a real-world dialogue on patriotism,
governance, and free expression.
What do you think? Is this a creative form of protest or a step too far?
SEVENKIX ANIME
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