Amnesty: Flying the One Piece Flag in Indonesia is a Right to Freedom of Expression
The response to the raids and officials’ stance on the phenomenon of One Piece flag-raising by the public is considered excessive.
This was conveyed by the Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid. He stated that the government and authorities’ response to the phenomenon of One Piece flag-raising by the public ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day, especially when it is accompanied by threats of criminal sanctions, is excessive.
“Raising the One Piece flag as a medium for conveying criticism is part of the right to freedom of expression and opinion, guaranteed by the Constitution and various other international instruments ratified by the Republic of Indonesia,” he said, quoted on Sunday (August 10, 2025).
Peaceful expression through flag-raising is not treason, let alone an attempt to divide the nation. Instead of repressing freedom of expression through raids, the government should focus more on addressing the root causes of public unrest that led to the raising of the One Piece flag.
The government should not be anti-criticism and must stop making exaggerated statements about the phenomenon of freedom of expression in society, especially accompanied by threats of criminal sanctions.
As a State Party to various international human rights instruments, including the ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), Indonesia is obliged to protect and provide a safe space for the public to express their opinions peacefully.
