August 2, 2025 | 04:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A recent trend on social media has caught public attention, showing flags from the Japanese anime One Piece displayed on houses and vehicles ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day. Many interpret this trend as a form of public dissatisfaction with the government.
One Piece is a popular anime about the journey of Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate determined to become the Pirate King. The series was created by Eiichiro Oda, a mangaka or manga artist. Below are some of the main characters from the One Piece series:
1. Monkey D. Luffy
Luffy is the main protagonist and captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. He is the son of Revolutionary Army leader Monkey D. Dragon and grandson of Marine hero Monkey D. Garp. At age 7, Luffy accidentally ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi Devil Fruit, which gave his body rubber-like properties.
2. Roronoa Zoro
Zoro, known as Pirate Hunter, is the Straw Hat Pirates' swordsman and the first person Luffy invited to join his crew. He is known for his many scars and his unique fighting style using three swords, which he keeps at his right hip.
3. Nami
Nicknamed the Cat Burglar, Nami is the crew’s navigator. She hails from Cocoyashi Village in East Blue and became the third member after Arlong’s defeat. Nami is portrayed as a stylish and clever young woman with distinctive fashion choices.
4. Brook
Brook is the musician of the Straw Hat Pirates and joined as the ninth member. He appears as a living skeleton due to the power of the Yomi Yomi no Mi Devil Fruit. Along with Zoro, Brook is one of the crew’s swordsmen.
5. Usopp
Usopp is the Straw Hat crew’s sniper and a former captain of the Usopp Pirates. He comes from Syrup Village and dreams of becoming a brave warrior of the sea. His long nose and expressive personality are among his most recognizable traits.
6. Sanji
Also known as Black Leg Sanji, he serves as the crew’s cook. Sanji comes from the North Blue and is known for his strong sense of chivalry, refusing to fight women under any circumstance. He is often seen in a suit with his signature blonde hair covering one eye.
7. Tony Tony Chopper
Chopper is a reindeer who turned into a human after eating the Hito Hito no Mi Devil Fruit. He serves as the crew’s doctor and is highly knowledgeable in medicine. In his usual form, Chopper resembles a small, cartoonish creature and is often mistaken for a raccoon.
8. Nico Robin
Robin is a former member of Baroque Works and the seventh to join Luffy’s crew. She is from Ohara Island and was labeled a fugitive at age eight due to her ability to read poneglyphs, ancient stones that reveal the world’s lost history.
9. Franky (Cyborg Franky)
Franky is the shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates and is responsible for building the Thousand Sunny. Born as Cutty Flam, he initially opposed Luffy’s crew before eventually joining. He is known for his eccentric behavior and rebellious attitude.
10. Shanks
Shanks was once a crew member of the legendary pirate Gol D. Roger. He later formed his own crew and became one of the most powerful pirates. He inspired Luffy to become a pirate and gave him the iconic straw hat.
While the rise of One Piece flags ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day may seem unusual, it highlights how pop culture can serve as a medium for public sentiment.
Whether as a form of protest or a celebration of the anime’s values, such as freedom, loyalty, and defiance against oppression, this trend reflects how deeply stories like One Piece resonate with audiences, even far beyond Japan.
Andika Dwi, Khumar Mahendra, and Muhammad Nafis Wirasaputra contributed to this article.
Editor's Choice: One Piece Flag-Raising Ahead Independence Day is Subject to Sanction, Minister Says
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
One Piece Flag-Raising Ahead Independence Day is Subject to Sanction, Minister Says
21 jam lalu
Budi Gunawan warned about the legal consequences of raising the One Piece flag before the upcoming Independence Day on August 17.
RI's 80th Independence Day Deals: 80% Off Shopping, Rp80 Public Transport Fares
1 hari lalu
The government will mark Indonesia's 80th Independence Day with shopping discounts and cheap public transport fares.
Government Declares National Holiday on H+1 of 80th Independence Day
1 hari lalu
Deputy State Secretary Minister Juri Ardiantoro stated that the holiday after the 80th Independence Day is a "gift for the public."
VP Gibran to Attend Independence Day Celebration in Jakarta, Not at IKN
1 hari lalu
The Presidential Palace ensures that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will attend the 80th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta.
House Leader Deems Raising One Piece Flag for Independence Day as Attempt to Divide Nation
1 hari lalu
Some residents were seen flying One Piece flags on their homes and vehicles in the streets, instead of the Indonesian flag ahead of Independence Day.
Indonesian Mountains Close Ahead of 80th Independence Day Celebrations
4 hari lalu
Hiking trails of Mount Merbabu and Mount Rinjani have been closed ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day.
Sony Acquires Stake in Bandai Namco to Expand Anime Content Strategy
5 hari lalu
Sony's CSO stated that the goal of this partnership is to create diverse content and experiences that exceed expectations.
Indonesia's 80th Independence Day Logo Sparks Controversy; Some Say It Resembles Keroppi
8 hari lalu
The newly released logo for Indonesia's 80th Independence Day drew comparisons to 'Keroppi,' the well-known frog character by Japanese firm Sanrio.
Best Coming-of-Age Anime: 10 Recommendations to Watch
9 hari lalu
Looking for the best coming-of-age anime? Here are 10 recommendations that explore themes of growing up, first love, and self-discovery.
Why Indonesian Independence Day Celebration Won't Take Place in IKN This Year
9 hari lalu
Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the 80th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony will not be held due to ill-equipped facilities.
