Jakarta. Indonesians continue to hoist One Piece’s Jolly Roger flag during public celebrations ahead of the country’s 80th Independence Day on Aug. 17, defying mounting pressure from local authorities and concerns over its perceived anti-government symbolism.

The Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates, a fictional crew from the One Piece anime, symbolizes freedom, friendship, and resistance to oppression.

Across cities nationwide, residents are incorporating the skull-and-crossbones flag into carnival floats, murals, and mass-produced decorations. The trend has sparked debates over national pride, freedom of expression, and the boundaries of symbolism during sacred national observances.

In Karanganyar, Central Java, resident Agung Angin and his neighbors spent two weeks building a pirate ship float topped with the Jolly Roger for their village parade on Sunday, Aug. 4. “We started with the idea of a fishing boat but switched to a pirate ship because it was going viral on social media,” he said.

Constructed from bamboo and cart wheels, the ship became a local spectacle. Agung dressed as a pirate captain with an eye patch, while others donned sea-creature costumes. Although neighborhood leaders urged them to remove the flag to avoid political controversy, the community pressed on.

“We were already deep into it, might as well go all in,” Agung said. However, they discreetly lowered the flag when passing the official judging stage, which included police and military personnel.

Agung insisted the float was meant to liven up the carnival, not to criticize the government. “It’s just for fun, nothing political,” he said.

Elsewhere in Karanganyar, small business owner Dendy Christanto, who prints Jolly Roger flags, said he received 300 online orders in a single day. He attributed the spike to the social media trend but said he couldn't say for sure what buyers were using them for. Typically, he noted, the flags are flown at music concerts. In this case, however, they’re being hoisted beneath the national red-and-white flag.

“Some people are using the pirate flag as a symbol of criticism,” Dendy said.

In Surabaya, authorities have reportedly removed six murals and taken down multiple Jolly Roger flags in neighborhoods where the anime symbol appeared below or alongside the national flag. “We’re not banning anime symbols, but this is a sacred time to honor the Red and White flag,” said Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi.

In Malang, a similar mural created by local youths was erased by residents after it went viral and caught the attention of officials. “It wasn’t due to pressure, just to avoid conflict,” said community leader Arianto Sigit.

Still, the trend shows no signs of slowing. Authorities believe many people are simply following viral content without grasping the deeper symbolism. “They’re mostly just imitating what they see on social media,” said Tundjung Iswandaru, head of Surabaya’s National Unity and Politics Agency.

Contrasting with local crackdowns, President Prabowo Subianto has signaled a more tolerant stance through his spokesperson, Prasetyo Hadi. “As long as it’s a form of expression, it’s okay,” Prasetyo said. However, he reminded citizens not to replace or overshadow the national flag, especially during Independence Day commemorations.

“The Red and White must always be respected. Express yourselves, but remember to honor the sacrifices that brought us our freedom,” he added.

According to Indonesia’s Law No. 24/2009, the national flag must not be disrespected or displayed inappropriately alongside other flags. Fictional or non-state flags must be smaller and placed beneath the Merah Putih.

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