Independent Report – Democrat Party Secretary General, Herman Khaeron. He has voiced concern over the recent trend of flying the One Piece pirate flag during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations. He believes this phenomenon should be addressed by law enforcement authorities as it disrupts the solemn spirit of the national commemoration.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Herman stated, “I agree that this needs to be regulated. Please, let the law enforcement interpret and handle it accordingly.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for national symbols, particularly during such significant national events. And also viewed the presence of the One Piece flag as inappropriate in this context.
According to Herman, the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence should be a time to foster unity and strengthen national identity. He expressed his disappointment over the display of fictional symbols alongside national flags. Especially when the nation is trying to instill patriotism in the younger generation.
“We should be concerned about the appearance of the One Piece flag. It is unnecessary in the context of celebrating our 80th Independence Day. A time when we aim to build patriotism and work towards our noble vision of Indonesia Emas 2045,” he added.
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Herman’s comments reflect a broader worry among certain political figures who feel that popular culture might be taking too prominent a place in civic events. He suggested that the symbolic meaning of the red-and-white flag should remain sacred. And also not be blended with pop culture references, no matter how popular they are with the public.
On the other side of the debate, Andreas Hugo Pareira, Deputy Chair of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives (DPR), offered a contrasting view. He regarded the act of raising the One Piece pirate flag not as a disturbance but as a form of civil expression. For him, it falls under the umbrella of constitutional rights and individual freedoms.
“The act of flying the pirate flag from One Piece is a reflection of civil liberty and is protected under our Constitution.” Andreas said in his official statement on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. He stressed that such actions should be interpreted as symbolic and cultural, not criminal or disrespectful.
Andreas also highlighted the need for the government to be more introspective rather than reactive. He believes that the display of such fictional flags may carry a deeper social message from the public. One that points to underlying frustrations or a disconnect with current national narratives.
“This should prompt introspection on the part of the Government. It signals a serious issue that might be causing citizens to express their dissatisfaction in a silent, cultural form,” he continued.
Andreas encouraged policymakers to reflect on why certain parts of society might choose to express themselves through pop culture rather than traditional nationalistic symbols. He argued that this kind of peaceful, visual protest could provide valuable insight into public sentiment and areas where engagement may be lacking.
Despite the differing perspectives, the debate reveals a broader tension between maintaining the sanctity of national traditions and recognizing evolving forms of public expression. The rise of global media and digital culture means that fictional narratives—like that of One Piece—can resonate deeply with younger generations, sometimes even rivaling the impact of national symbols.
As Indonesia continues its journey toward its centennial celebration in 2045, such discussions are likely to become more common. The challenge for the government and society alike will be balancing respect for the past with openness to new cultural expressions.
Whether seen as a disruption or a form of expression, the appearance of the One Piece flag has sparked an important national conversation. It has raised questions about identity, symbolism, and how best to celebrate Indonesia’s hard-won independence in a changing cultural landscape.
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