August 6, 2025 | 08:51 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Here are the highlights: One Piece Flag Debate in Indonesia: The Problem with Raising the Flag on Independence Day; Prabowo Says He Has No Issue with One Piece Flag, Assures No Raids; and Controversy Surrounds One Piece Flag Ahead of Indonesia's Independence Day.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. One Piece Flag Debate in Indonesia: The Problem with Raising the Flag on Independence Day
The phenomenon of raising the One Piece flag with the iconic skull and straw hat emblem from the widely popular anime series is increasingly widespread in Indonesia leading up to the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day. The black flag with the smiling skull and straw hat is the symbol of the fictional pirate group led by the main character of the anime.
The massive display of the One Piece flag has sparked a serious debate in public spaces and social media. Some members of the public have utilized this symbol to express their disappointment in the government and as a form of protest against the current social and political conditions. However, this action has stirred widespread controversy, particularly from the government.
2. Prabowo Says He Has No Issue with One Piece Flag, Assures No Raids
President Prabowo Subianto has no objection to communities hoisting the One Piece flag as a form of creative expression, according to State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi. He made the statement at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
“As a form of creative expression, it’s fine. We have no issue with it,” Prasetyo said.
“However, it should not be used to challenge or diminish the significance of the Red and White flag. The two should not be placed side by side in a way that invites comparison or conflict. For us, as a nation, the Red and White is our one and only national flag," he continued.
Prasetyo emphasized that the display of fictional flags, such as the One Piece pirate flag, falls within the scope of public creativity. However, he urged the public not to misuse the moment, especially in August, which is closely associated with Indonesia’s Independence Day.
3. Controversy Surrounds One Piece Flag Ahead of Indonesia's Independence Day
The hoisting of One Piece flag has become a public spotlight here in Indonesia. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence on August 17, the flag of the Japanese anime series about pirates has been flying from houses to vehicles in various regions.
One resident of Kebayoran, South Jakarta, Riki Hidayat, for example, said he was reluctant to hoist the Indonesian flag this year. For the past three years, the 31-year-old man has been hoisting the flag at half-mast every Independence Day. "It's a sign of mourning, because our government is moving further away from the principles of democracy," said Riki when contacted on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Riki no longer hoisted the Indonesian flag at half-mast. Instead, he intended to hoist the One Piece flag in front of his house this year.
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Indonesia Shopping Festival Returns August 14-24: Discounts Up to 80%
31 menit lalu
The Indonesia Shopping Festival (ISF) 2025 will involve over 400 shopping malls across the archipelago.
Is Indonesia a Failed State? Analyzing the Hypothesis Based on UN Metrics
49 menit lalu
The term 'failed state' or fragile state describes a situation where a government loses effective control over its territory and citizens.
Pakistan Aims to Boost Economic and Educational Ties with Indonesia
2 jam lalu
The Pakistani Ambassador to Indonesia is targeting the strengthening of cooperation in the economic, educational, technological, and defense sectors.
Indonesian Hajj Village Project Enters Design Development Phase, Says Minister
3 jam lalu
Minister Nasaruddin Umar will meet with several people appointed by the president to design the Indonesian Hajj village in Mecca.
Australia and Nahdlatul Ulama Deepen Educational and Cultural Ties
4 jam lalu
NU and Australia are partners who have a history of collaborating to support Indonesia's community-level development.
Indonesian Police Name Three More Suspects in Adulterated Rice Scam
4 jam lalu
The three suspects in this case are from PT Padi Indonesia Maju (PIM).
Activist: One Piece Flags to Be Raised in Neglected Areas as Form of Protest
5 jam lalu
Activist said the One Piece flags were meant as criticism of the government, hoping it would push authorities to recognize the issues and take action.
State Secretary: Launch of Indonesia's New History Book Likely Postponed
6 jam lalu
The initial launch of Indonesia's new history book was scheduled for August 2025.
Prabowo Says He Has No Issue with One Piece Flag, Assures No Raids
10 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto doesn't mind the hoisting of the One Piece flag by several communities as part of their creative expression.
ICW Reports Alleged Corruption in 2025 Hajj Catering Procurement to the KPK
11 jam lalu
Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) reports 3 alleged violations in hajj pilgrims catering procurement for 2025 to the KPK.
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