Regarding the Government's Ban on the "One Piece" Flag, the Human Rights Minister said it was an Effort to Maintain Unity.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - The government has reiterated the ban on flying the "One Piece" flag. This prohibition is described as an effort to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation within the framework of national stability. However, several parties view the flying of the "One Piece" flag as a form of social criticism against the realities of injustice and inequality in Indonesia.

The prohibition on flying the "One Piece" flag, which features an image of a skull with a red ribbon hat, has been reiterated by the Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai. According to him, the state firmly has the right to prohibit the display of this flag as it is deemed to violate the law and is also considered an act of treason.

"The prohibition of flag raising is an important effort to maintain national symbols as a form of respect for the country," said Pigai in a written statement, Sunday (3/8/2025).

In recent days, there has been a surge in the display of the "One Piece" flag among the public. Some have hoisted the "One Piece" flag beneath the Red and White flag. The "One Piece" flag has also been displayed by several truck drivers. Social media users have enthusiastically shared the "One Piece" flag on their accounts, accompanied by the theme song of the anime series created by Eiichiro Oda.

The use of the "One Piece" emblem was actually also utilized by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka before his inauguration on November 20, 2024. Gibran wore a pin featuring the "One Piece" logo during the United Village Silaturahmi on November 19, 2023, the peaceful election declaration on November 27, 2023, and during the vice presidential debate on January 21, 2024.

Furthermore, Pigai stated that the prohibition on the display of the "One Piece" flag aligns with international regulations regarding a country's rights to take a stance on certain issues concerning national integrity and state stability. Pigai also believes that this prohibition will receive support and appreciation from the international community, including the United Nations.

Pigai also believes that the ban will receive support and appreciation from the international community, including the United Nations (UN).

This is in line with the covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by Indonesia through Law Number 12 of 2005 concerning the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This law provides space for the state to maintain national security and stability.

"I hope that the public understands that this prohibition is an effort to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation during a historic moment such as the Independence Day celebration. This step demonstrates how national and international laws synergize to uphold the stability of the country," said Pigai.

However, Pigai emphasized that the ban had nothing to do with restricting citizens' freedom of expression. "The government's stance is to uphold the core of the national interest, or freedom of expression, which the state can restrict," he said.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan also stated that there are provocations from certain groups to lower the dignity of the Red and White flag and replace it with flags symbolizing certain fictional elements. This situation is considered concerning, as the Red and White flag is the result of the collective struggle of the ancestors who fought for independence.

"As a great nation that values history, we should all restrain ourselves from provoking with symbols that are not relevant to the nation's struggle," he stated.

According to him, the government appreciates the expressions of creativity from the community to commemorate Independence Day. The government also urges that the forms of expression conveyed do not cross boundaries and harm national symbols.

"The government will take firm and measured legal action if there are elements of intent and provocation to ensure the order and authority of state symbols," said Budi.

Unlike the government, a member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Deddy Sitorus, believes that the raising of the "One Piece" flag should be accepted as a form of public criticism towards the government. Therefore, the government should not prohibit the raising of this flag as it is considered something negative, even a form of criminality.

He emphasized that the raising of the "One Piece" flag is a form of freedom of speech and expression. This form of public expression does not disturb anything, and is even better than demonstrations on the streets.

"That way, the message is amplified widely. I think that's good. If it's just symbols like that," said Deddy.

The raising of the "One Piece" flag should be accepted as a form of public criticism of the government.

Researchers at the Political Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency, Wasisto Raharjo Jati, also assessed that there is a misunderstanding by the government regarding the prohibition of flying the "One Piece" flag. The flag should not be interpreted as a pirate flag that must be banned.

"The essence of the One Piece flag is a social critique of the realities of Indonesia, personified in the One Piece anime regarding injustice and inequality," he said.

The government's reactive stance in banning the "One Piece" flag has the potential to create ripples of legitimacy crisis among the public towards the government. This is because the raising of the "One Piece" flag is a critical expression of the public through the pop culture that is flourishing among the younger generation.