Raising One Piece Flag Under Red and White Flag Ahead of Indonesian Independence Day Will Incur Sanctions

JAKARTA - The widespread phenomenon of flying the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia (HUT RI) is not exceeding the height of the Indonesian flag.

According to Public Policy Researcher Riko Noviantoro, despite the widespread One Piece flag phenomenon, the public needs to understand the applicable regulations regarding flying flags, especially those other than the red and white.

This is not without reason; if this understanding is ignored, flag raisers can be subject to sanctions.

"The idea to fly the One Piece flag on August 17th needs to be carefully considered. If violations are found, desecrating the red and white flag, sanctions could potentially be imposed. I hope the public understands this," said Riko when confirmed on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Riko said that one of the rules that must be understood when flying the One Piece flag is that it cannot be flown higher than the red and white.

"Personally, the One Piece flag should not be raised higher than the Red and White flag. Because the Red and White flag is part of the symbol of national unity as stipulated in Law No. 24/2009 concerning the Flag, Language, Emblem, and National Anthem," he said.

Riko stated that this phenomenon appears to be a concrete manifestation of public sensitivity to the current growing social situation. This has given rise to criticism and satire, befitting the character of the community.

"The emergence of the One Piece flag is a symbol of public criticism of the social situation. Of course, this criticism is directed more at the government as the state administrator," he said.

Riko stated that the phenomenon of raising the anime flag has a similar meaning to the 'Indonesian Emergency' symbol some time ago. In this regard, the government needs to accept this as input for improvement.

"This is no different from the emergence of the Garuda symbol for Indonesia in Emergency some time ago," he said.

As is known, several social media posts related to the One Piece flag have been seen flying on trucks, fences, wooden boats, and rooftops.

It was written in a number of posts that the account owner explained that raising the One Piece flag was a form of disappointment with the government's performance, but not with the Indonesian state.