Antara, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has no objection to communities hoisting the One Piece flag as a form of creative expression, according to State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi. He made the statement at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

"As a form of creative expression, it's fine. We have no issue with it," Prasetyo said.

"However, it should not be used to challenge or diminish the significance of the Red and White flag. The two should not be placed side by side in a way that invites comparison or conflict. For us, as a nation, the Red and White is our one and only national flag," he continued.

Prasetyo emphasized that the display of fictional flags, such as the One Piece pirate flag, falls within the scope of public creativity. However, he urged the public not to misuse the moment, especially in August, which is closely associated with Indonesia's Independence Day.

He also underscored the need to uphold the solemnity of August as a way to honor the national heroes who fought for Indonesia's independence. He urged all Indonesians, particularly the younger generation, to show patriotism by respecting national symbols.

"We must love our country and the Red and White flag, which represent our identity from birth and soul. No matter the circumstances, our loyalty to the nation must remain strong, and that includes honoring our national symbols," he said, as quoted by Antara.

In recent days, social media and public spaces have seen a rise in the display of the One Piece pirate flag, inspired by the Japanese manga series

The flag features a black background with a smiling skull wearing a straw hat and two crossed bones behind it. It has gained popularity ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day on August 17.

Many individuals have displayed the flag in public places across the country. On social media, users have also changed their profile pictures to feature the animated pirate symbol.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto acknowledged the trend as a form of free expression. However, he emphasized that the Red and White flag must remain dominant.

"There's nothing wrong with it, as long as the Red and White flag takes precedence," Bima told Antara in Jakarta.

Bima viewed the trend as part of democratic expression and a possible outlet for public messages and critiques.

"In a democratic society, even something like One Piece becoming a trend can be a space for expression, a place where people reflect, critique, and send messages," he said.

No raids?

Minister Prasetyo also addressed concerns about enforcement, confirming that there have been no police or military raids related to the hoisting of the One Piece flag. "There have been no raids," he said.

According to Prasetyo, the government does not oppose the use of the pirate flag as a means of public expression or critique. He reiterated that the administration remains open to feedback and recognizes that there are many ongoing challenges to address.

However, he made it clear that authorities may intervene if any group deliberately attempts to provoke or disrespect the national flag by elevating the One Piece symbol above it.

"If anyone goes so far as to intentionally pit the One Piece flag against the Red and White, or to suggest it should be raised in place of our national flag, that is not acceptable. That's when consequences apply," he stated.

Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan regarded the act of hoisting the skull-themed flag as a form of provocation that could undermine the authority and symbolism of the Red and White national flag.

In Tanjungpinang, the local police under the Riau Islands Regional Police issued written warnings to two residents who were found hoisting the 'One Piece' pirate flag ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day.

Tanjungpinang Resort Police Chief Commissioner Hamam Wahyudi did not disclose the identities of the individuals involved but confirmed that both had been summoned and warned. They were also asked to sign a written statement promising not to repeat their actions.

"We only gave warnings, then they were immediately sent back to their respective homes," said Hamam in Tanjungpinang on Tuesday.

According to Hamam, hoisting the One Piece flag in public violates constitutional norms and has the potential to disrupt public order and security.

When questioned by the police, the two individuals said they raised the flag as a form of free expression and as a way to show their disappointment toward the government.

Hamam acknowledged that every citizen has the right to voice opinions and even criticize the government. However, he stressed that such expressions must remain within the bounds of the law and must not threaten public safety or order.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2036550/prabowo-says-he-has-no-issue-with-one-piece-flag-assures-no-raid