Jakarta – The Chairperson of the People's Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani has no issue with the hoisting of the One Piece flag by citizens ahead of the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day. Muzani sees it as an expression of creativity.
"Surely their hearts are red and white, their spirits red and white," said Muzani at the parliament complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Sunday, August 3, 2025. He views everything done by the people as a form of gratitude.
Muzani did not respond further when asked about the possibility of guidance or legal consequences for citizens who hoisted the One Piece flag. The senior Gerindra Party politician emphasized that all elements of the nation equally love Indonesia. "I believe the people's love for the red and white will not be replaced by anything."
The hoisting of the One Piece flag has drawn public attention ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence on August 17, 2025. The flag of the Japanese anime series about pirates was displayed on houses and vehicles in various areas.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan accused certain groups of provoking the lowering of the dignity of the Red and White flag by replacing it with flags of specific fictional symbols.
In a separate occasion, Deputy Speaker of the People's Representative Council (DPR) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated that the installation of the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day is an attempt to divide the nation. He described this phenomenon as moving systematically.
The Banten Regional Police threatened to take strict action against citizens who deliberately hoist the One Piece pirate flag during the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day. "If there is evidence of a violation and they do not hoist the Red and White flag, of course, we will take strict action," said Banten Regional Police Deputy Chief Brigadier General Hengki in Tangerang on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
According to Hengki, the movement of hoisting a flag symbolizing pirates is a form of provocation that can lower the status of the Red and White flag. Moreover, the movement can also hurt the struggle of the predecessors who sacrificed for Indonesia's independence.