The phenomenon of raising the One Piece flag with the iconic skull and straw hat emblem from the widely popular anime series is increasingly widespread in Indonesia leading up to the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day. The black flag with the smiling skull and straw hat is the symbol of the fictional pirate group led by the main character of the anime.

Raden Putri Alpadillah Ginanjar, Jakarta – The Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) evacuated a male orangutan named Sugiman after receiving a report from residents of Mendawai Seberang Village in Arut Selatan District, Kotawaringin Barat Regency, Central Kalimantan, on July 30, 2025.

Dio Suhenda, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto's decision to pardon Thomas Lembong and Hasto Kristiyanto in their high-profile graft cases has sounded alarms over political interference in the judiciary and sparked renewed scrutiny over his administration's commitment to anticorruption.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced that the launch of Indonesia's new history book might be postponed. The initial launch was scheduled for August 2025.

"There is a possibility of postponement," Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Jakarta – Indonesian Automotive Industry Association Gaikindo recently reported a decline in commercial vehicle sales, including trucks – a drop that the group attributed to the current economic conditions.

Gaikindo's Secretary-General Kukuh Kumara said Monday that the fluctuations in commercial vehicle sales were closely related to national project activities.

Amelia Rahima Sari, Jakarta – Nine private sugar importers indicted in a corruption case plan to request that the Attorney General drop the charges following the abolition granted to former Trade Minister Tom Lembong.

Their legal representatives revealed the plan ahead of the trial at the Corruption Court on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – Drone Emprit, Indonesia's social media monitoring and analytics platform, conducted a study on online interactions related to the raising of the One Piece flag, which drew attention ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day on August 17.

Dede Leni Mardianti, Jakarta – The All-Indonesia Student Executive Board, or BEM SI, is concerned about the government's decision to pardon Hasto Kristiyanto and Tom Lembong, fearing it is part of the effort to weaken Prabowo's administration opposition.

Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta – The President of the Student Senate of the State Islamic University of Ar-Raniry, Teuku Raja Aulia Habibi, rejected the plan to establish a Territorial Battalion by the Indonesian National Army (TNI) in Aceh.

Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has issued Presidential Regulation Number 81 of 2025 concerning Special Allowances for Specialist Doctors, Subspecialist Doctors, Specialist Dentists, and Subspecialist Dentists Serving in Underdeveloped, Border, and Island Regions (DTPK).

Makassar – Makassar State University (UNM) students held an action by raising the One Piece flag ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day.

Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – Herman Khaeron, a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives from the Democratic Party faction, criticized the recent display of the One Piece pirate flag ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day celebrations, calling it unethical. He said the fictional Jolly Roger symbol does not align with nationalist values.

Arnoldus Kristianus, Jakarta – Indonesia's economy expanded by 5.12 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, slightly accelerating from 5.05 percent in the same period last year, according to data released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Tuesday. Compared to the previous quarter, the economy grew 4.04 percent.

Anastasya Lavenia Yudi, Jakarta – Spokesperson for the National Command of the West Papuan National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), Sebby Sambom, has called for a rejection of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day celebration.

Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta – The Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, explained the purpose of the purchase of 48 Kaan fighter jets from Turkiye by the Ministry of Defense is not intended for war. He referred to Indonesia as a large country with more than 300 million people, which requires a strong defense, including completing the armament and combat equipment.

Angelina Tiara Puspitalova, Edy Can, Jakarta – The phenomenon of the installation of the One Piece flag, which has been widespread of late, is reminiscent of the story of Indonesia's 4th President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur. He once took steps that were considered brave and different in responding to the raising of flags other than the red-and-white national flag.

Ricky Juliansyah, Depok – A derailment on the Bogor-Jakarta Kota Commuter Line forced many passengers to find alternative transportation, with many switching to private vehicles. The incident involved train No. 1189, which derailed at Jakarta Kota Station this morning.

Akmalal Hamdhi, Gayuh Satria Wicaksono, Jakarta – Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has instructed banks across the country to block nearly 26,000 bank accounts suspected of being tied to online gambling activities, as part of a wider crackdown on a practice officials say is fueling social and economic harm.

On behalf of the people of West Papua, I condemn the arrest of the 42 ULMWP representatives last week by the Indonesian police. Indonesia has proven once again that fundamental human rights do not exist in West Papua.

Syifa Alifa, Jakarta – The Jakarta Provincial Government will be offering a special fare of Rp80 for all public transportation in Greater Jakarta in celebration of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day on August 17, 2025.

Bambang Ismoyo, Jakarta – Indonesia's mining industry faces growing pressure to adopt stricter emissions standards for operational vehicles, as experts and industry players warn that outdated, diesel-powered fleets are undermining the country's net zero goals and investor confidence

Muhammad Aulia Rahman, Jakarta – Police have detained Gibran Huzaifah, the former CEO and co-founder of Indonesian aquaculture startup eFishery, over allegations of financial report manipulation, marking a dramatic turn in a months-long investigation into one of the country's most high-profile tech unicorns.

Jakarta – Since the debut of ChatGPT in 2022, the world has plunged headfirst into an artificial intelligence frenzy and the race to build the infrastructure needed to support it.

Basudiwa Supraja, Jakarta – The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) outlines four key aspects that need to be addressed to support Indonesia's economic growth.

Anastasya Lavenia Yudi, Jakarta – Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced that Indonesia's economy grew by 5.12 percent year on year in the second quarter of 2025, but Nailul Huda, Director of the Digital Economy Center at the Institute for Economic and Legal Studies (Celios), argued that the data contained several anomalies that raised questions.

Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – A minister said Monday that Indonesia's decision to let European goods enter its market duty-free would not backfire on its economy, as work is underway to finalize a trade deal dubbed the CEPA.

Apriadi Gunawan, Jakarta – A North Sumatran man has been handed a 1.5-year prison sentence for stealing a pair of sandals from his former boss, prompting a wave of public criticism over what many see as an unequal justice system that punishes the poor more harshly than corrupt elites.

Elan Suherlan, Subang, West Java – A gas well operated by Pertamina EP in Kampung Babakan Cidahu, Cidahu Village, Pagaden Barat District, Subang, exploded early Tuesday morning, sparking panic among nearby residents and sending flames towering into the sky.

Jakarta – The dreams of tens of thousands of low-ranking Indonesian Army soldiers to have a home of their own could turn to dust. Although installments for housing are deducted from their salaries every month, they still have not received homes. This recurring problem shows that there has been no significant change in the management of soldiers housing savings funds.

Hasnan Bachtiar – In many of his campaign speeches, President Prabowo Subianto portrayed himself as the only candidate capable of taking on the corrupt elite. This was primarily in the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections, when his campaign relied heavily on his projected image as a strongman rather than the cuddly grandpa of 2024.

Sapto Yunus, Jakarta – Bank Indonesia (BI) has announced that the usage of its Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) has reached 57 million users by the first half of 2025.

Amelia Rahima Sari, Jakarta – Several sociology professors in Indonesia responded to the raising of the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day on August 17, 2025.

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has won widespread praise for his decision to release two public figures from jail who were recently convicted for corruption, especially since the public overwhelmingly believe they were targets of separate political persecutions.

The Myanmar junta's rhetoric against Timor Leste is reaching hysterical pitch as the island state's accession to ASEAN looms.

Ni Komang Erviani, Jakarta – Two foreign tourists have been arrested for two alleged robberies targeting money changers on the resort island of Bali. One of the suspects was beaten by a mob after trying to steal Rp 191,150,000 (US$11,667) from the victim.

Police discovered that this was their second such act on the island.

M. Raihan Muzzaki, Jakarta – The National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that Indonesia is currently not in good condition as the nation is struggling to compete across various sectors compared to other countries.

Amelia Rahima Sari, Jakarta – Former Indonesian Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong, widely known as Tom Lembong, has formally lodged a complaint with the Supreme Court against the judges who presided over his sugar import corruption case.

Responding to the raids and the stance taken by the authorities over the phenomenon of the raising pirate flags based on the One Piece animation film series by the public, Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid said:

Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, has shown concern regarding the popular gaming platform, Roblox, that is gaining popularity among students. According to him, the diverse online games provided by the application can be dangerous.

Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – Indonesia has been importing more vehicles and auto parts during the first half of this year, government data shows.

Martin Bagya Kertiyasa, Jakarta – A 46-year-old midwife named Dona Lubis bravely crossed the strong currents of the Batang Pasaman River in West Sumatra to treat a Tuberculosis (TB) patient in Kejorongan Sinuangon, Nagari (Village) Cubadak Barat, Dua Koto Subdistrict, Pasaman Regency.

Michael Neilson, Bali – "I can't believe this is happening," said Komang Agus, looking on in despair at his workplace of 16 years in the Bali tourist hotspot of Bingin, lying in fresh ruins.

M. Rizki Yusrial, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai claimed that the government's decision to prohibit the public from hoisting the One Piece flag ahead of Independence Day will receive support from the United Nations (UN).

M. Raihan Muzzaki, Jakarta – Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Law Yusril Ihza Mahendra responded to Yulianus Paonganan being one of 1,178 individuals granted amnesty by President Prabowo Subianto. According to Yusril, Yulianus' case is a political matter, making it fitting for him to receive amnesty for insulting former President Jokowi.

Ni Made Tasyarani, Jakarta – Indonesian manufacturers are increasingly cautious in their outlook as business confidence has fallen to a record low amid concerns over United States import tariffs. Experts warn that waning sentiment risks holding back investment.

Heru Andriyanto, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has warned of strict legal consequences for individuals or companies that clear land by setting forest fires, following a high-level meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto with security and law enforcement officials.

Jakarta – National Police chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has caught wind of espionage activities involving refugees, foreign workers (TKA) and foreign tourists coming to Indonesia.

Antara, Jakarta – Five regencies in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) have entered drought alert status due to the ongoing dry season.

These include Dompu Regency, covering Kilo and Pajo Districts; Bima Regency, covering Lambitu, Lambu, Sape, and Soromandi Districts; and East Lombok Regency, particularly Sambelia District.

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta has denied violating the Catholic-majority nation's constitution and dismissed a ruling from a top court that accused him of interfering in judicial independence.

Alfi Dinilhaq, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto aims to make Indonesia an "economically independent" country, as Southeast Asia's largest economy marks its 80th year of independence this month.

In a social media post, Prabowo wrote that 80 years marked a historic milestone in the country's journey towards economic independence.