DPR Asks Government Not To Respond To One Piece Flag Raising: Do Introspection

One Piece Flag Raising (Ist)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission XIII DPR from the PDI-P faction, Andreas Hugo Pareira, said that the phenomenon of raising the pirate flag from the anime 'One Piece' ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia is a form of expression and civil freedom guaranteed by the constitution. He considered that the raising of the Manga cartoon flag should actually be used as an introspection material for the Government.

"This is part of Human Rights (HAM), as a form of freedom in expressing people's aspirations and anxiety. This should be an introspection material for the Government, that there are serious problems that make people protest in silent', in the form of socio-cultural form," Andreas told reporters, Tuesday, August 5.

As is known, the phenomenon of raising the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day is widely carried out, especially by truck drivers and the anime fan community.

The One Piece flag with a skull image called Jolly Roger is considered a symbol of power, freedom, personal determination, and solidarity. So many One Piece pirates use Jolly Roger as a symbol of the struggle against oppression and injustice.

In this context, Andreas did not agree if the One Piece pirate flag raising ahead of Indonesian Independence Day was referred to as a treason act. He again emphasized that this is more of a form of public expression of the current socio-political conditions.

"It's too much to think of the One Piece flag as a treason act," said Andreas.

The member of the House of Representatives' Human Rights Commission considered that people who submitted 'protes' to the Government should be given a humanist approach, and humane persuasion.

He also did not agree if the One Piece flag was installed as a form of provocation or considered treason, especially when the government responded with repression.

"Because there is no form of violation of the law, it does not insult the symbol of the state. They only express in their own way, which today is an era that is increasingly open and advanced," said the PDIP legislator from the East Nusa Tenggara I electoral district.

Nevertheless, Andreas still appealed to the people of the country to fly the Red and White flag during the month of independence without other flag frills.

"To honor the proclamation warning, what we prioritize is the Red and White," he concluded.