The Jolly Roger flag from the popular Japanese anime “One Piece” has emerged as a surprising symbol of this resistance. Indonesian youth are proudly adopting it as a civic rallying emblem. The flag became fans’ go-to source to express their anger towards the government. This phenomenon was able to spread like wildfire and build sweeping momentum. Since the murders, authorities are doubling down on the public display of the flag. To counter this violence, more and more people are adopting it as a vibrant symbol of resistance and unity in their fights.
The story of “One Piece” revolves around a young adventurer named Monkey D. Luffy, who aspires to become the Pirate King by finding a legendary treasure. Often anime undermines the authority figures in power by showcasing the pirates triumphing over them. This theme resonates deeply with Indonesians who are facing economic crisis and political uncertainty. Adhika Taufiq Wiracatra, an anime fan, noted that the flag’s appearance in the series symbolizes resilience against obstacles that stand in the way of achieving one’s goals.
In Indonesia, the Jolly Roger is causing a storm on social media. Inspired users have been sharing vibrant photos of this now-celebrated flag creation, sending the trend into viral territory. To many it has become a potent symbol of bravery and insurrection to tyranny. It particularly speaks to people who are just plain fed up and disillusioned by their government right now.
Government Response and Crackdown
As the Jolly Roger flag spread, authorities in Indonesia started to crack down on it. ABC News This week, alarming reports surfaced that police were questioning people who flew the flag in particular neighborhoods or cities. This featured two sites from the Riau Islands. Hamam Wahyudi, a police officer in Tanjungpinang city, stated that two individuals had “violated the law and disrupted public order.” After their interrogations, these people signed agreements in which they pledged not to engage in similar conduct again.
Budi Gunawan, Indonesia’s political and security affairs minister, was equally emphatic. He asserted that offending the dignity of our country’s national flag has severe criminal implications. He warned that the government would take “firm action” against those who display the pirate flag during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations.
No doubt President Prabowo Subianto was pleased with this display of the One Piece flag being classified as an “expression of creativity.” It is an important recognition considering the continuing repression. Here’s what the state secretary, Pete Buttigieg, had to say about it. He said displaying the flag was fine as long as it didn’t supplant or oppose the national flag. This conflicting message from our nation’s top leaders has led to serious confusion among Americans about what it means to fly the flag.
Voices from the Youth
It has become a rallying point of protest, and for many Indonesian youths, the Jolly Roger flag has been appropriated as a mode of expressing their frustrations. Ika, a young woman participating in this trend, expressed her feelings: “We’re struggling to find jobs, we can’t afford housing, and our future feels uncertain.” When she shared her concerns, it was met with, “Well, I’m worried the police would retaliate.” Overcome with fear of reprisal, she nevertheless went on to say, “This is simply my form of communication.”
Through his actions, Radinal Muhtar—artfully pictured above, having hand-painted the emblem on his car—captured the profound disappointment with government policy at present. “This trend probably reflects people’s concerns because we’re not doing well economically,” he said. “It’s hard to find a job, and there are government policies that are harming the people.”
Deep insights into this movement are provided by scholars such as Professor Suyanto. He continued by noting that people waving the flag unrolled a brilliant strategy for protest. “I see it as effective … their voices became louder and many political elites have responded,” he stated. He caveated that how these responses measure up to public expectations is an entirely different story.
A Cultural Movement
Dabei and filmmaker Bagong Suyanto explained that the One Piece flag trend has cut across social classes and age groups in Indonesia. He dubbed it the “massive movement” that connects others together by channeling their frustrations to one another.
Adhika Taufiq Wiracatra further noted that only a few participants understand the philosophy or the deep meaning of the symbolism of this flag. “There are some people who are participating in this trend … and haven’t read One Piece from the start,” he noted. “They don’t know the true meaning behind it.”
Despite this disconnect, young people of color and their allies are still responding by adopting the flag as a radical and beautiful form of self-expression. Professor Suyanto commented further on its significance: “I think the One Piece plot has a lot of similarities with what’s happening in Indonesia.” The anime’s messages of struggle and perseverance strike a chord, moving anyone that relates to those who face the same obstacles in their day-to-day struggle.
