Manila: A pirate flag from the popular Japanese manga series “One Piece” has emerged as a symbol of resistance among young people in various parts of Asia.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Jolly Roger flag from One Piece, featuring a distinctive yellow hat with a red band, has been prominently displayed in recent demonstrations across Indonesia, Nepal, East Timor, and the Philippines. The movement gained traction in July in Indonesia when participants brandished the flag in opposition to President Prabowo Subianto’s call for a nationwide flag-raising ceremony on the country’s 80th independence anniversary on August 17.
The Indonesian government reacted by issuing warnings of criminal penalties for actions perceived as dishonoring the national flag. Despite these warnings, the One Piece flag reappeared during significant protests that erupted on August 25, fueled by public discontent over excessive housing allowances for lawmakers.
In addition, the flag was utilized during a September 21 rally in Manila, aimed at protesting corruption. The widespread use of the One Piece flag underscores its growing significance as a unifying emblem of dissent across these regions.
