August 4, 2025 | 08:03 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Monday, August 4, 2025. Here are the highlights: Indonesian Human Rights Minister Prohibits People from Flying One Piece Flag; Indonesian Palace Affirms National Flag's Supremacy Amid One Piece Flag Phenomenon; and From Campaign Symbol to Perceived Threat: The "One Piece" Flag in Indonesian Politics.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Indonesian Human Rights Minister Prohibits People from Flying One Piece Flag
Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai has prohibited people from raising an One Piece anime flag ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence. Pigai said that it would be a violation of the law and a form of subversion if the flag is raised alongside the red and white flag.
"The ban on raising the flag is an important effort to preserve national symbols as a form of respect for the country," said Natalius Pigai in a statement on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Natalius Pigai claimed that the ban is in line with the principles of international law that give the right to every country to take action on issues related to national integrity and stability, as recognized by the United Nations (UN). He referred to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which has been ratified by Indonesia through Law Number 12 of 2005. This regulation allows the country to take steps to maintain national security and stability.
2. Indonesian Palace Affirms National Flag's Supremacy Amid One Piece Flag Phenomenon
The Presidential Communication Office Head, Hasan Nasbi, recently affirmed that the Indonesian flag cannot be replaced by any other flag, specifically referencing the "One Piece" flag. Hasan noted that he has not observed the widely discussed Japanese pirate anime flag displayed along public roads.
"But the Indonesian flag is not a choice. It is a necessity. The Indonesian flag cannot be replaced," Hasan declared in a statement while overseeing free health check-ups at SMAN 6 Tangerang Selatan, Banten, on August 4, 2025.
The phenomenon of the "One Piece" flag gaining traction on social media has gone viral ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day celebrations.
The "One Piece" flag, also known as the Jolly Roger, is the pirate symbol from the renowned Japanese anime series by Eiichiro Oda. It has reportedly been displayed on various houses and vehicles, drawing significant public attention.
3. From Campaign Symbol to Perceived Threat: The "One Piece" Flag in Indonesian Politics
The "One Piece" anime symbol, notably utilized by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka during his 2024 presidential election campaign, is now being characterized as a divisive element in Indonesian society. The recent phenomenon of hoisting the "One Piece" flag in commemoration of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day has ignited widespread discussion on social media and drawn responses from state officials and politicians. Furthermore, individuals displaying these flags have reportedly faced threats of criminal charges.
On social media platforms, the "One Piece" flag, a symbol from the Japanese anime series created by Eiichiro Oda, has gained viral traction after being displayed on various houses and vehicles. This black flag, featuring a white skull and crossbones, is being flown by a segment of the public as an overt expression of their disillusionment with the government's performance and as a form of resistance against the current social and political landscape.
Ironically, during the 2024 presidential campaign, Gibran himself embraced the Jolly Roger symbol of the Straw Hat Pirates. On January 21, 2024, during a presidential debate, Gibran was observed wearing a pin depicting the "One Piece" anime character symbol on his attire.
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The "One Piece" anime symbol, utilized by VP Gibran during his 2024 presidential election campaign, is now seen as a divisive element by the govt.
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The Presidential Communication Office Head noted that he has not observed the widely discussed One Piece flag displayed along public roads.
Indonesian Minister Claims One Piece Flag Ban Supported by UN
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According to Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai, the act of hoisting the One Piece flag is a violation of the law.
