MATARAM - Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya responded calmly to the actions of several residents raising One Piece-themed flags ahead of the August 17th Independence Day celebrations. He stated that in a democratic country like Indonesia, public expression is normal as long as it does not conflict with the constitution and does not replace the Red and White flag as a unifying symbol of the nation.
"It's a form of public expression, which is certainly full of hopes and expectations. In a democratic country, such expressions are normal as long as they do not conflict with our constitution," said Bima Arya on Tuesday, August 5th.
Bima Arya emphasized that in the lead-up to August 17th, the flag that must be raised and prioritized is the Red and White. The President has also instructed that the Red and White flag be flown throughout the archipelago, including border areas and remote areas.
"Our flag that will be flown on August 17th will only be the Red and White. That is certain and we must fly it throughout the archipelago," he emphasized.
However, he acknowledged the creativity of residents who display flags with popular culture themes, such as One Piece, as long as they do not replace the Red and White.
"Even if such a flag exists, we'll first examine whether it's an expression or an expectation. Perhaps it could be used as input, but the criticism must also be clear and not provocative," he added.
According to Bima Arya, many organizations and communities have their own flags. However, in the context of nationalism and the commemoration of independence, the Red and White flag must always be at the top, both symbolically and literally.
"It's okay to have an organizational flag, a sports flag, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), or the Scouts flag. But on August 17th, no other flag should replace the Red and White flag," he stressed.
Regarding the issue of arrests of citizens for flying non-national flags, he stated that he would wait for further developments. "There is no prohibition on flying flags, except for flags that carry prohibited ideologies," he explained.
Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, Bima Arya urged the public to interpret independence with gratitude and reflection so that the ideals of independence remain relevant and fought for.
"We are grateful for these 80 years, but we are also evaluating them. There's no problem as long as it doesn't replace the Red and White flag as the main symbol," he concluded.
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