2 days ago
One Piece's pirate flag becomes a symbol of political dissent in Indonesia
Featuring a skull wearing a straw hat over crossed bones, the Jolly Roger flag is now seen everywhere, especially among the younger generation.
The One Piece flag is seeing rising demand in Indonesia despite stricter enforcement by the authorities. - Agency photo
JAKARTA – The flag from the Japanese anime One Piece has taken on a new political role in Indonesia, becoming a widely recognised symbol of public dissent ahead of the country's Independence Day on Aug 17.
Featuring a skull wearing a straw hat over crossed bones, the Jolly Roger flag is now seen everywhere, especially among the younger generation. The One Piece fiction series tells the story of Monkey D Luffy and his pirate crew exploring a fantasy world in search of treasure. - Agency photo
Social media users say the symbol is chosen for its representation of bravery and opposition to oppression.
President Prabowo Subianto has dismissed concerns of division, calling the trend "an expression of creativity."
This came after State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi permitted the symbol's use, as long as it does not challenge the national flag.
The hit series One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in their quest for treasure and freedom while resisting a draconian government.
For local mural artist Radinal Muhtar, the connection is clear. The Hunger Games' three-finger salute was once used to criticise Thailand's monarchy. - Agency photo
'Luffy and his friends seek freedom and resist a draconian government that is above the law,' he said.
Muhtar painted the Jolly Roger on his car, saying it attracts less attention from authorities than flying a physical flag, which has gone viral online.
'This trend represents the voice of the people concerned about the unstable economy, difficulties in finding job opportunities, and government policies that harm the public,' he said.
Airlangga University sociologist Professor Bagong Suyanto described the One Piece flag wave as a 'mass movement' uniting people across age and social divides.
'These groups believe government policies are sidelining their interests. Flying the flag, including on social media platforms, is actually a form of creativity,' he said.
The trend follows last year's viral hashtag #IndonesiaGelap, when many Indonesians expressed concern for the nation's future, with some young people considering migration for better opportunities.
Pop Culture References in Protests
Indonesia's youth are not alone in using pop culture symbols to voice political discontent.
In 2020, for example, Thai students adopted The Hunger Games' three-finger salute as a direct critique of the monarchy. Wearing Harry Potter costumes to convey the meaning of 'He Who Shall Not be Named' served as a veiled jab at the King of Thailand. - Agency photo
Protesters also donned Harry Potter costumes to reference 'He Who Shall Not be Named,' a veiled criticism of the King of Thailand, while others rallied under the image of Hamtaro, the Japanese manga hamster.
Suyanto believes these satirical and indirect protest methods are not only safer but also more impactful.
'I see this approach as more effective because it gets a response from political elites. They don't have to go to the streets or engage in confrontations with the authorities like in typical demonstrations,' he said.
Trisakti University criminal law expert Abdul Fickar Hadjar agreed that the One Piece flag protest is lawful.
'There is no law prohibiting the flying of fictional-themed flags. Every citizen has the right to display any flag, banner or symbol unless the court issues a specific ban,' he said.
Indonesia, however, has previously banned flags linked to rebel movements, terrorist groups and communist ideology.
