Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:30am on 07 Aug 2025,Thursday International
In Indonesia, the rising popularity of One Piece has transformed the Jolly Roger pirate flag into a symbol of political resistance. Dominique Nicky Fahrizal, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that the anime’s influence has helped Indonesians express political concerns “in a different and unique way.” The government’s mixed reaction, including treating the cartoon flag as a potential national security threat, has drawn sharp criticism. Writer Farhan Rizqullah argued that this response inadvertently proves the power of Luffy’s dream—freedom—as something the authorities deeply fear. The protest has since gained nationwide attention. (PC: BBC)
