M. Rizki Yusrial, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai has prohibited people from raising an One Piece anime flag ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence. Pigai said that it would be a violation of the law and a form of subversion if the flag is raised alongside the red and white flag.
"The ban on raising the flag is an important effort to preserve national symbols as a form of respect for the country," said Natalius Pigai in a statement on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Natalius Pigai claimed that the ban is in line with the principles of international law that give the right to every country to take action on issues related to national integrity and stability, as recognized by the United Nations (UN). He referred to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which has been ratified by Indonesia through Law Number 12 of 2005. This regulation allows the country to take steps to maintain national security and stability.
"I hope that the public understands that this ban is an effort to maintain unity and the nation's integrity during historical moments such as the celebration of Independence Day," he said.
He dismissed the argument that this ban is an attempt to restrict the freedom of expression of citizens. "The government's stance is for the 'core of national interest' or the freedom of expression that can be constrained by the state," he said.
One resident from Riau, Kharik Anhar, was not deterred by the government's threat of criminal sanctions for those who raise the One Piece flag. "There is no article that prohibits people from raising flags of characters, football clubs, or animations at home or in vehicles," said Kharik when contacted on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
For him, displaying the One Piece flag is a form of expression of the community's disappointment with the government. Therefore, he believes there is no reason to submit and fear raising the pirate animation flag in front of the house.
He regretted why the government's attitude is excessive, by prohibiting the public and even threatening them with criminal punishment. "We reject the labeling of subversion against the people's creativity," he said.
Kharik also received complaints from his friends that authorities have begun to infiltrate their actions. He showed a screenshot containing a warning message from a WhatsApp group of residents. The head of the neighborhood association (RT) or community unit (RW) in the area is asked to report residents who raise the One Piece flag to the Babinsa (Village NCO) and Bimas (Community Guidance).
Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, said that raising flags other than the Red and White ahead of the commemoration of Independence Day on August 17 contains criminal elements. He said that it violates the honor of the red and white flag.
Budi reminded that the raising of the red and white flag has been regulated in Article 24 paragraph 1 of Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the Flag, Language, and State Symbol, and National Anthem. The law states that it is prohibited for anyone to raise the national flag under any other flag or emblem.
The government will take legal action against the act of raising the One Piece flag. "This is our effort to protect the dignity and symbols of the state," he said in a written statement on Friday, August 1, 2025.