Defense Minister Sjafrie: It Is Inappropriate For Jolly Roger Topi Jerami To Be Flown Under The Red And White

Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. BETWEEN/Ganta Tenri Mawangi.

JAKARTA - Minister of Defense (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin assessed that the raising of the skull flag with a straw hat or 'Jolly Roger' from the One Piece anime under the Red and White Flag was inappropriate, especially ahead of the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence.

"The red and white flag has a skull flag below it. Is it said that the red and white were backed up by a skull? It doesn't fit," said Sjafrie when met at the Ministry of Defense office, Central Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday, August 5.

According to Sjafrie, the Red and White Flag is a symbol of a country that has sacred value and must be respected by all Indonesian people.

He emphasized that the Red and White are not just colored cloth, but a symbol of struggle that has been paid dearly by the nation's heroes.

Many of our heroes died just to fly the Red and White. If later there is a skull flag flown under it, the sacredness will be tarnished," he said.

He has no problem if people want to express their love for popular figures or cultures, such as anime. However, he requested that such expressions not involve symbols of the state.

"It's okay with the flag (Jolly Roger). But don't put it under the red and white," said Sjafrie.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Budi Gunawan also responded to the phenomenon of raising the flag of Jolly Roger which went viral on social media. He considered this action as a form of provocation that could lower the authority of the Red and White Flag.

"As a great nation that respects history, we should all refrain from provoking it with symbols that are irrelevant to the nation's struggle," said Budi Gunawan in a written statement, Friday (1/8/2025).

According to him, freedom of expression is still respected as long as it does not violate norms and laws, especially regarding the national symbol. If the government sees an element of intent in this action, he ensures that there will be firm steps.

The criminal consequences of actions that injure the honor of the Red and White Flag are very clear. Law Number 24 of 2009 Article 24 paragraph (1) states, "Everyone is prohibited from flying the State Flag under any flag or symbol," said BG.