Wawan Kurniawan, Stefani Wijaya, Jakarta – Indonesian police have begun cracking down on the display of the Jolly Roger pirate flag from the popular anime One Piece as the country prepares to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its independence on August 17.

Deputy House Speaker and Gerindra Party executive Sufmi Dasco Ahmad said last week that the hoisting of the anime flag appeared to be part of a systematic movement to undermine national unity. He claimed it was not a coincidence, suggesting there was a coordinated attempt to divide the nation.

Amid growing concern, Central Jakarta Police, in coordination with public order officers, have launched a campaign to monitor the hoisting of pirate flags.

We're monitoring the use of non-national flags and symbols that don't align with the spirit of nationalism, including pirate or fictional-themed flags, Central Jakarta Police spokesman Ruslan Basuki said on Monday.

The black pirate flag, emblazoned with a skull and straw hat representing the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece, has become a viral phenomenon across social media and in several neighborhoods, where it has appeared beside or near the national red-and-white flag.

According to Ruslan, the police will continue taking a persuasive and educational approach. We haven't found any criminal violations. But anyone flying non-national flags will be advised to act wisely and show respect for national symbols, he said.

While there are no laws banning cultural or fictional flags on private property in Indonesia, officials across several provinces are urging citizens to prioritize the national flag during August, a month symbolizing national pride and remembrance.

In Banten, Deputy Police Chief Hengki warned that flying the One Piece flag near the national flag could be seen as provocative and disrespectful. We'll take firm action if we find any violations, he said, though he said that there have been no actual reports of the pirate flag being flown in the province.

Over in Belitung, the local National Unity and Politics Agency also stepped in. We're asking people not to raise the One Piece flag, especially as we celebrate the Republic's 80th anniversary, said agency head Fedy Malonda. It just doesn't fit with our national symbols.

Still, not all officials see the viral anime flag as a national threat. In Bali, police took a more moderate stance, saying the fictional flag does not undermine the dignity of the nation.

As long as it doesn't violate any established national regulations, it's not an issue, said Bali Police spokesman Ariasandy in Denpasar. It won't diminish the honor or dignity of Indonesia.

However, Ariasandy also urged citizens to focus on flying the red-and-white national flag. Let's proudly raise our national flag as a sign of gratitude and respect for our independence heroes, he added.

So far, Bali Police said they have not found any One Piece flags being flown on the island and have made no confiscations.

In Tangerang, Banten, a flag vendor named Deden said many customers have been asking for the One Piece flag, but we only sell the red-and-white to honor our heroes.

Despite the debate, online chatter about the Jolly Roger continues, with some social media users debating whether flying it should be banned altogether. Legally, however, Indonesian protocol only mandates that the national flag must take the place of honor if flown alongside any other flags.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/police-cracks-down-on-one-piece-flags-ahead-of-independence-da