Indonesian Authorities Crack Down on Pirate Protest Flags Ahead of Independence Day

In the lead-up to Indonesia's 80th Independence Day, a black pirate flag featuring the Jolly Roger skull and bones with a straw hat from the Japanese anime One Piece has emerged as a popular symbol of political protest. Many Indonesians, including students and truck drivers, use the flag to express dissatisfaction with President Prabowo Subianto's policies, viewing it as a peaceful form of resistance amid concerns over democratic backsliding and restrictions on free speech. The government has condemned the flag, warning that it provokes division and may be banned from flying alongside the national red-and-white flag, citing laws that prohibit symbols being displayed higher than the national flag and potential penalties including fines and imprisonment. While some officials call for tolerance and recognize the flag as a form of civic expression, others equate its use to undermining national unity or even treason. The movement has gained significant traction on social media, reflecting a shift in public discourse where younger generations use popular culture to voice political grievances without direct confrontation. Authorities are actively cracking down on the display of the pirate flag, especially in public spaces, to preserve the sanctity of national symbols during the independence celebrations.