The display of Jolly Roger flags, popularized by the anime One Piece, has stirred controversy in Indonesia, with many choosing to raise these pirate symbols in response to President Prabowo Subianto’s call for national unity. What started as a symbol of resistance against a perceived centralized government is now at the center of a heated debate.
What Happened
In late July 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto urged citizens to display the national red-and-white flag in honor of the country’s Independence Day on August 17. However, instead of embracing this call, some Indonesians raised Jolly Roger flags, featuring a skull with a straw hat, widely known from the anime One Piece, as a form of protest. These flags, a symbol of pirates in the anime, are seen by many as a response to the increasing centralization of power under Prabowo’s leadership. The flags have been spotted across Indonesia, appearing on doorways, cars, and walls.
Despite the flags’ growing presence, Indonesian officials have criticized their display, with Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad calling it an attempt to “divide the nation.” Another lawmaker even labeled it as potential treason. Yet, President Prabowo himself has remained neutral, allowing the flags as “creative expression” but warning against using them to challenge the national flag’s significance.
Who Is One Piece and the Jolly Roger Flag?
One Piece, an anime and manga series created by Eiichiro Oda, has become one of the world’s most popular franchises, with an enormous following, especially in countries like Indonesia. The Jolly Roger flag, raised by the series’ central characters, symbolizes freedom and rebellion against oppressive forces. In the anime, the crew’s use of this flag is a statement of their desire to overthrow unjust governments. For many Indonesians, the adoption of the flag is a way to show support for freedom and independence from what they perceive as an increasingly authoritarian government.
Background or Timeline
The series of events began in July 2025, when President Prabowo urged citizens to raise the Indonesian flag in celebration of the country’s independence. Rather than participating in the national call, a faction of the population, particularly anime fans, decided to raise the Jolly Roger as a symbolic gesture against the growing concentration of power.
Local stores, including Wik Wiki apparel store, reported a surge in orders for the Jolly Roger flag, particularly after Prabowo’s speech. Some argue that raising the flag is a peaceful form of dissent, a way to highlight discontent with government policies, without resorting to violence.
Meanwhile, government officials are grappling with how to respond. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad condemned the act, urging national unity and stating that it divided the people. Despite these criticisms, some public figures, including Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto, have defended it as a form of public expression within a democratic framework.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The flag’s display has gained significant attention on social media platforms, with both support and opposition flooding discussions. On platforms like Instagram, posts calling the Jolly Roger flag “a symbol of protest against corruption” have been widely shared, garnering praise for its clever use of a well-loved anime icon. Meanwhile, critics argue that it undermines national pride and could lead to further divisions. Some even see it as a threat to national security, as echoed by several lawmakers.
While many see the flag as a non-violent form of protest, others worry about the message it sends to the global community, fearing it may fuel division in an already tense political climate.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
In a statement, Prasetyo Hadi, Indonesia’s state secretary minister, emphasized that the president had no objection to the Jolly Roger flag but warned against using it to diminish the red-and-white flag’s significance. Law enforcement agencies, including the Jakarta Police, have expressed concern over the proliferation of these non-national flags, and the National Police has stated that they are closely monitoring any symbols that may not align with nationalistic values.
Despite official scrutiny, public support for the flag continues to grow, particularly among younger generations and anime fans, who see the flag as a rallying point for personal freedom and expression. The debate is unlikely to subside soon, as the Indonesian government and citizens navigate the delicate balance between national unity and the right to protest.
Conclusion:
The use of the Jolly Roger flag in Indonesia has sparked a nationwide discussion about freedom, authority, and national identity. While some embrace it as a peaceful symbol of dissent, others view it as an act of disloyalty. As the situation develops, one thing remains clear—the power of symbols, whether fictional or real, is undeniable in shaping political discourse.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
