Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – One of the activists behind the One Piece flag installations, Kharik Anhar, said several specific locations had been targeted for displaying the pirate anime flags.
He plans to put up the flags in the lead-up to Indonesia's 80th Independence Day, particularly in neglected areas such as damaged roads, rundown schools, and underdeveloped regions.
"For example, places with broken infrastructure or garbage piles, we'll put the flags there too," he told Tempo on Tuesday, August 6, 2025.
The initiative has been shared with members of a WhatsApp group he created. Kharik said the flags are meant as a form of criticism, hoping to draw the government's attention and prompt real improvements.
Previously, residents in several regions were seen hoisting the Jolly Roger in front of their homes, drawing national attention, including from the government.
President Prabowo Subianto has responded, warning against using the One Piece flag for provocative purposes. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi clarified that the provocation referred to encouraging others to raise the One Piece flag instead of the Indonesian national flag.
Prasetyo, a Gerindra politician, emphasized the sanctity of the Red and White, especially ahead of the August 17 celebrations. "Whatever its condition, it must be loved," he said on August 5.
He also stressed that the government would not carry out raids to seize the anime flags. "We respect symbolic criticism. The government is open to it. We know there's a lot that still needs to be improved," Prasetyo added.
– Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article.