Indonesians Wave Anime-Themed Pirate Banner in Independence Protest | News on Protests

In Indonesia, a protest movement has emerged in the lead-up to the country’s 80th Independence Day, marked by the unusual symbol of a cartoon pirate flag. This flag, taken from the popular Japanese anime series One Piece, features a skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat and has become a display of public discontent with the government. Despite Indonesia’s government threatening legal actions against those flying the flag, it has still been prominently displayed on homes, vehicles, and boats, signaling growing dissatisfaction with rising prices, job difficulties, and perceived government incompetence. Although the government views the flag as an attempt to sow discord and disrespect national symbols, many see it as a creative and satirical expression of their frustrations. The movement reflects broader economic and political concerns, including high youth unemployment and the perceived lack of progress from the current administration. This act of symbolic resistance highlights the complexities of public sentiment in Indonesia, where traditional protest methods might be eclipsed by more contemporary and creative forms of dissent.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/16/indonesians-raise-anime-pirate-flag-in-protest-as-nation-marks-independence?traffic_source=rss