Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Ahmad Luthfi, the Chair of the Ansor Cyber Agency, stated that the One Piece pirate flag is not a threat. The spirit of adventure, courage, and solidarity in the One Piece series aligns with the values of struggle and unity of the Indonesian nation.
"Pop culture is not a threat, as long as we manage it wisely. In fact, it can be a medium to strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation, brotherhood, and nationalism," he said in an official statement on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
He has no problem with Eiichiro Oda's pirate flag. However, he cautioned that popular cultural symbols should not erode national identity.
Furthermore, he believes the pirate flag should not exceed the height of the Red and White flag. The pirate flag should be positioned below the Red and White flag.
"But it should not exceed the height of the Red and White. Nor should it ignore the meaning and sacred position of the national flag," he said.
He understands that the younger generation expresses their aspirations and identity through popular culture. Symbols like the One Piece flag can be interpreted positively, as long as they do not violate national values. He also emphasized the importance of emulating the thoughts of the fourth president of the Republic of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur).
"We learn from Gus Dur. Freedom is important, but it must remain within the framework of nationalism. Don't let the spirit of independence obscure the symbols of independence itself," he said.
The Ansor Cyber Agency urged the public not to be easily provoked by narratives that exacerbate differences. The Ansor Cyber Agency also invited all elements of the nation to use this moment as a stage for reflection, emphasizing that Indonesia was built not only by the spirit of independence. Indonesia, he said, was also built by the responsibility to protect and preserve the symbols of sovereignty for which it had fought.
The raising of the One Piece flag has drawn public attention. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence on August 17th, the flag of the Japanese anime series about pirates is flying from homes and vehicles in various regions.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan accused some groups of provocation to degrade the dignity of the Red and White flag by replacing it with a flag with certain fictional symbols.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that the display of the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day commemoration was an attempt to divide the nation. He explained that this phenomenon was systematic.
– Novali Panji Nugroho, Dinda Shabrina, and Antara contributed to the writing of this article.