‘One Piece’ manga flag used as symbol of resistance in Asia

Jiji Press, Philippine News Agency

The image, usually adorning a flag with a black background, comes from “One Piece,” a much-beloved Japanese manga. (File photo by Ferfive/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

JAKARTA – A pirate flag from the popular Japanese manga series “One Piece” has been used as a symbol of resistance by young people in many parts of Asia.

One Piece’s Jolly Roger flag, including a yellow hat with a red band, has popped up in recent demonstrations in Indonesia, Nepal, East Timor, and the Philippines.

In July, a movement spread in Indonesia with participants holding up the flag as a sign of resistance against President Prabowo Subianto’s call to raise the national flag to mark the country’s 80th anniversary of independence on Aug. 17.

The Indonesian government responded by warning of criminal punishments for actions that violate the honor of the national flag.

The One Piece flag then appeared in massive protests that began on Aug. 25 driven by public anger over high housing allowances for lawmakers.

The same flag was also used during Sept. 21 rally against corruption in Manila. (Jiji Press)