How the One Piece Jolly Roger Became a Symbol of Youth Protest in Indonesia

IIn August 2025, a surprising symbol took over the streets and social media platforms of Indonesia: the iconic Jolly Roger flag from the popular anime One Piece. Featuring a skull wearing a straw hat, this cartoon emblem quickly evolved into a peaceful yet powerful symbol of resistance against government policies, capturing the spirit of Indonesian youth activism.

What Does the Jolly Roger Mean in One Piece

The Jolly Roger flag in One Piece represents freedom, independence, and fighting against injustice. Its leader, Monkey D. Luffy, dreams of living free on the seas without submitting to any authority. Inspired by this message, Indonesian young people adopted the flag as a symbol of their own resistance to what they perceive as oppressive political measures.

The Spark Behind the Protest

At the end of July 2025, President Prabowo Subianto urged Indonesians to proudly display the national red-and-white flag ahead of Independence Day (August 17). However, many young people responded in a creative and unexpected way — by hanging the Jolly Roger flag on their homes, cars, and public spaces.

This gesture was not a rejection of national pride but rather a creative critique aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with government policies. It conveyed the message: “We love our country, but we do not accept all of its policies.”

Government Response and Legal Clarifications

While some government officials accused the movement of being divisive or even bordering on treason, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that displaying such flags on private property is legal, as long as the national flag is flown higher when both are displayed together.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that the President views this form of expression as “creative,” though he reminded citizens not to diminish the importance of national symbols.

The Role of Youth and Pop Culture in Political Expression

With a massive fan base of One Piece in Indonesia, the Jolly Roger flag has become more than just a cartoon icon—it has become a unifying language for young activists, artists, and students to voice their political messages. From murals and graffiti to T-shirts and digital media, this symbol is used widely as a peaceful form of protest.

Researchers observe that this method allows youth to express discontent in a less confrontational way than street protests, while still raising awareness and encouraging dialogue.

Why a Cartoon Flag Has So Much Power

The fact that a fictional pirate flag can stir strong government reactions underscores the power of symbolic protest. Some commentators argue that treating a cartoon flag as a national security threat only strengthens the protesters’ message.

Today, the One Piece Jolly Roger in Indonesia stands as a powerful visual emblem of the people’s ongoing demand for freedom, justice, and equality.