Ethics of Raising the One Piece Flag

The One Piece flag has gone under fire from the Indonesian government due to some people raising it along with the Indonesian flag as time gets closer to the 17th of August, marking Indonesia's 80th Independence year. With recent disappointing events in the field of Indonesian politics -- from corruption to unwise decisions -- there is no doubt that Indonesians have grown tired and wary.

The "One Piece" flag, specifically the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates, was raised by individuals and groups as a form of social criticism and protest, not by a single individual as a definitive first act, according to media reports. The trend emerged after President Prabowo Subianto urged citizens to fly the Indonesian national flag ahead of Independence Day, with some interpreting this as a call for blind nationalism and a suppression of dissent. The "One Piece" flag became a symbol of resistance, particularly among those feeling marginalized or unheard by the government. This movement is a powerful one that applies to the current state of the country, as it reflects the growing discontent among citizens who feel unheard and marginalized within Indonesia's democratic framework. By using a pop culture symbol, this also allows people to channel their frustration into a form of expression that is both accessible and interpretable to younger audiences.

Despite the rather positive purpose of the movement, the act can be viewed as ethically questionable if it is placed on the same level or even above the national flag; some argued that this potentially undermines national unity and shows disrespect for a symbol that represents the struggles and sacrifices of Indonesia's past. Here's the moral dilemma: does the urgency of voicing dissatisfaction justify altering or overshadowing a national emblem, or should protests always preserve certain national symbols as untouchable? 

The Indonesian national flag, known as Sang Saka Merah Putih, carries deep historical significance that amplifies this debate. Red symbolizes courage and the blood shed by the nation's heroes, while white represents purity and the noble ideals of the people. This historical weight is what is used to argue to show the act as disrespectful, which further complicates the ethics surrounding the raising of the One Piece flag; while it represents frustration and demand for a better governance, its visual and placing proximity with a flag born from struggle and sacrifice is perceived as disregarding to the country's history.

The historical context undeniably strengthens the opposing argument, particularly coming from the government -- because Merah Putih is not simply a flag but a living reminder of bloodshed, unity, and resilience that forged Indonesia's independence. To see it placed side by side, or even below, a fictional pirate emblem may feel like a dilution of that hard-earned sovereignty. It risks fostering a perception that the sacrifices of past generations are trivialized, particularly during a time like the 80th independence day.

Yet, this same history also reinforces why peaceful, symbolic protests such as the One Piece flag hold a valid place in democracy. The very freedom to express dissent -- no matter how unconventional -- is part of what the Merah Putih came to represent after decades of colonial control and silencing. The flag's history is one of resistance and i that light, the movement does not necessarily desecrate its meaning; rather, it can be interpreted as an appeal to protect the democratic values the flag stands for.