2) Urgent notice: 42 ULMWP representatives arrested by Indonesian police
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Angelina Tiara Puspitalova, Edy Can, Jakarta – The phenomenon of the installation of the One Piece flag, which has been widespread of late, is reminiscent of the story of Indonesia's 4th President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur. He once took steps that were considered brave and different in responding to the raising of flags other than the red-and-white national flag.
Gus Dur's attitude was different from the current government, where he allowed the raising of the Morning Star flag. This attitude reflects Gus Dur's approach which was more humanist and cultural rather than a military approach or one of power that has often been used by governments before and afterwards.
Meanwhile the current government sees the raising of the One Piece flag as potentially being a criminal act. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan said there are criminal consequences for actions that could harm the honour of the red-and-white flag.
He said the government would take legal action if there were intentionally provocative efforts. "This is our effort to protect the dignity and symbol of the state", Gunawan said in a written statement on Friday August 1.
As for Gus Dur, the Morning Star was not merely a symbol of separatism or resistance against the state, but part of the cultural expression and identity of the Papuan people.
He equated the flag with local flags in other regions in Indonesia, which do not always contain political meaning. As long as the red-and-white flag remains hoisted as the main symbol of the country, according to Gus Dur there was no reason to worry about the existence of the Morning Star flag.
This attitude was illustrated in an incident when then Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Wiranto reported the raising of the Morning Star flag.
Gus Dur asked only whether the red-and-white flag was still flying. After being told that the national flag was still there, he casually responded, "Yeah, enough, let's just say that the Morning Star is a banner". This shows his non-reactionary perspective and emphasised the spirit of reconciliation.
These moves by Gus Dur were taken between the end of 1999 and early 2000, in an important period for relations between the central government and the Papuan community. He even allowed the Morning Star flag to be hoisted, provided that its position was lower than the red-and-white flag, as a form of respect for Indonesian sovereignty.
During his visit to Papua on December 30, 1999, Gus Dur also organised an open dialogue in Jayapura and restored the territory's name to Papua, which had previously been changed to Irian Jaya by the New Order regime of former president Suharto.
The main purpose in Gus Dur allowing the raising of the Morning Star was to build mutual trust between the people of Papua and the government. He believed that recognition of local identity and culture can be the key to reduce conflict and strengthen the sense of nationality among the people of Papua.
An approach based on justice, respect and humanity, according to Gus Dur, is more effective than a repressive approach.
His daughter, Alissa Wahid, has also emphasised that this policy was aimed at making Papuans feel safe in expressing their cultural identity without fear, and thus nurturing love for Indonesia. For Gus Dur, the raising of the Morning Star flag was not a form of support for separation, but a sign that the state appreciates diversity.
Despite this, the decision still caused debate at the national level because the Morning Star flag has long been associated with a symbol of separatism.
After Abdurrahman stepped down, the policy was stopped. The raising of the Morning Star flag was again prohibited, except in the context of culture and had to remain below the red-and-white, as stipulated in the Papua Special Autonomy Law (Otsus).
Gus Dur's policy of allowing the Morning Star to fly was based on the spirit of reconciliation and appreciation of Papuan identity, not recognition of separatism, and to strengthen the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia through an approach of dialogue and respect.
– Noval Panji Nugroho and Budiarti Utami Putri contributed to writing this article.
Notes
A recent trend on social media ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day has been the displaying flags from the Japanese anime One Piece on houses and vehicles, which many have interpreted as an expression of public discontent with the Prabowo government. One Piece tells the story of a young pirate named Monkey D. Luffy who is determined to become the Pirate King. Based on a comic book published since 1997, for its fans some of the stories represent resistance against injustice in which the protagonists confront corrupt governments, sadistic military forces, human rights violations, genocide, racial discrimination and attempts to manipulate history.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Fenomena Bendera One Piece Mengingatkan Bintang Kejora di Era Gus Dur".]
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https://www.ulmwp.org/urgent-notice-42-ulmwp-representatives-arrested-by-indonesian-police
2) Urgent notice: 42 ULMWP representatives arrested by Indonesian police
August 5, 2025 in Statement
On behalf of the people of West Papua, I condemn the arrest of the 42 ULMWP representatives last week by the Indonesian police. Indonesia has proven once again that fundamental human rights do not exist in West Papua.
John Wenggi, a 74-year-old tribal chief, was arrested at his residence during a political meeting in Waropen, Saireri, along with 41 other activists and ULMWP officials. All activists were detained for one night before being placed under house arrest for the next eight months. Mr Wenggi was also beaten while in custody and is currently on an IV drip at his home.
What possible justification is there for this vicious repression? Under international law, the ULMWP has the right to assembly and to peacefully advocate for democracy in our own land. This was a private political meeting, held in the home of a widely respected West Papuan elder. I call on international NGOs and solidarity groups to pressure your governments to condemn these arrests and call for the release of all remaining Papuan political prisoners.
Indonesia’s latest crackdown on West Papuan political life is clearly a response to the ULMWP Legislative Council’s first Plenary Session held in July. Following our historic meeting, during which we inaugurated more than 2300 official representatives, an Indonesian parliamentarian named Oleh Soleh warned that a new wave of repression was going to hit our movement. Using the slander “political criminal group” (KKP), he stated “The emergence of the KKP in Papua indicates that the situation in Papua is indeed not well. The KKB [“armed criminal group”] has not been resolved, and now the KKP has emerged”.
Soleh also said the following – a clear threat to the peaceful activities of the ULMWP Provisional Government: “Of course, these groups that disrupt the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), groups that disrupt unity, must be resolved immediately and effectively without any problems or casualties… Because this is a burning fire. If this continues, it will certainly be dangerous”. The strategy that has been formulated in the Indonesian Parliament and by the Indonesian police is now coming to fruition. But in their desperation to destroy the ULMWP’s peaceful mission for liberation, Indonesia shows just how weak their hold on West Papua truly is. The ULMWP now has roots in every city, town, and village throughout West Papua. We are a government-in-waiting and are ready to engage with the world. Indonesia is terrified of our growing strength.
I call on our allied legal, political, and solidarity groups to do all they can to protect other ULMWP representatives from arrest and imprisonment, particularly high-profile independence leaders like Prime Minister Edison Waromi and Legislative Council Chair Buchtar Tabuni. They are at serious risk as Indonesia intensifies its crackdown.
Indonesia must realise that no number of arrests will crush the West Papuan desire for independence. We are already prisoners in our land. As the legitimate representatives of the West Papuan people, the ULMWP invites President Prabowo to sit down with me and discuss an internationally-mediated referendum on independence. Ultimately, this is the only true path to a peaceful resolution in West Papua.
Benny Wenda
President
ULMWP
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3) End raids and intimidation against people flying the 'One Piece' flag
Amnesty Statement – August 4, 2025
Responding to the raids and the stance taken by the authorities over the phenomenon of the raising pirate flags based on the One Piece animation film series by the public, Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid said:
"The government and authorities' response to the phenomena of flying the One Piece flag in public ahead of the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence, especially when accompanied by threats of criminal penalties, is excessive. Raising the One Piece flag as a means of expressing criticism is part of the right to freedom of expression and opinion, guaranteed by the Constitution and other international instruments ratified by the Republic of Indonesia.
"Peaceful expression through flag-raising is not makar (treason, subversion, rebellion), let alone an attempt to divide the nation. Repression through raids or confiscation of One Pieceflags in the community, as has occurred in Tuban and the removal of a One Piece mural in Sragen in Central Java, is clearly a violation of freedom of expression aimed at intimidating and instilling fear in the community. The state must not be anti-criticism.
"Instead of repressing freedom of expression through raids, the government should focus more on resolving the root causes of public unrest, which led to the choice of flying the One Piece flag.
"The government should not be anti-criticism and should stop making exaggerated statements about the phenomenon of freedom of expression in society, especially when accompanied by threats of criminal sanctions. Officials should view this phenomenon as part of freedom of expression.
"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.
"The protection of the right to freedom of expression as stipulated under Article 19 of the ICCPR applies to all types of information and ideas, including information and ideas that are considered shocking, offensive or disturbing, regardless of whether the content of the information or ideas is true or false. The state should be present to protect, not allow – let alone play a role in – the silencing of legitimate critical voices of citizens."
Background
The media has reported that a youth with the initials AR in Kerek subdistrict in Tuban regency, East Java, was visited by a number of officials last Saturday, August 2, including officers from the Sectoral Police (Polsek), officers from the Sub-District Military Command (Koramil), District Military Command (Kodim) intelligence officers and local civil service police (Pol PP), after uploading a photo saluting a pirate flag that was installed near his house last Friday, August 1.
In the popular Japanese anime series One Piece, a black flag called the Jolly Roger depicts a skull wearing a straw hat between two intersecting bones.
AR uploaded the photo to his WhatsApp status, but later that evening, he took the flag down after someone reported it. The next day, he was visited by a team of law enforcement officers.
The head of the Kerek Sectoral Police, Kastur, has confirmed to the media that a joint team of officers visited the youth's house to ask for clarification from the person concerned regarding the raising and saluting of the flag.
Kastur subsequently announced that the case would not be pursued further after the youth admitted he was just having fun because of the widespread news of the One Piece flag being raised on social media. Although no arrest was made, officers confiscated the 40x50 cm flag and confirmed that the photo had been deleted from AR's phone and WhatsApp status.
In Sragen, Central Java, police and military personnel reportedly supervised the removal of a mural depicting One Piece anime characters from a village street on Sunday August 3. A resident, who declined to be named, told the media that the mural was removed under the direction of TNI (Indonesian Military) and Polri(Indonesian Police) personnel who arrived at the scene.
On Saturday last week (August 2) in Tangerang City, the deputy chief of the Banten Regional Police, Hengki, stated that police would take firm action against residents who deliberately raised the One Piece flag during the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence. He did not elaborate on what action the authorities would take regarding the flag raising.
Prior to this, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan stated on Friday August 1 that the raising of the One Piece flag ahead of Independence Day on August 17 constituted a criminal offense because it has been deemed to violate the honour of the Indonesian national flag. Therefore, he continued, the government would take legal action, although he did not elaborate further on this.
Meanwhile, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, said there is an attempt to sow division in the country through the display of the One Piece flag. Then, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai said on Sunday August 3 that the state could ban the raising of the One Piece flag because it was considered a violation of the law and a form of makar.
Since last weekend, people on social media have been busy discussing photos and narratives about installing the One Piece anomie version of the Jolly Roger flag on houses and vehicles in various parts of the country ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day on August 17.
Observers have stated that the raising of the One Piece Jolly Roger, which is currently trending on social media, should be seen as an expression of public disappointment and criticism of the government and social conditions. This is because in the One Piece anime, the Jolly Roger flag is seen as a form of resistance against absolute power and oppression.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Hentikan razia dan intimidasi warga pengibar bendera 'One Piece'".]
Happy birthday, monster neighbour. Er, do we know you? We’re strangers here – our proper place is mid-Atlantic, ‘twixt the Old World and the New. However, we’re trying hard to cope by promoting trade and investment, while ignoring endemic _corruption_ and avoiding deep involvement.
This month, Indonesia celebrates the 80th anniversary of Proklamasi (the proclamation of independence) after more than three centuries as the Dutch East Indies, colloquially Tujuhbelasan (the 17th).
The unofficial protocol has a fresh PM making his first overseas visit to the Republic because, as Paul Keating said last century, “No country is more important to Australia than Indonesia.”
Anthony Albanese upheld the tradition a dozen days after his election in May with a one-day dash to Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto, who was inaugurated last October, has yet to reciprocate.
Australia was once important to Indonesia; that was when Ozzie unionists helped with the liberation. It’s a great yarn, though little known now.
In 1943, about 500 Indonesian political prisoners were secretly shipped to Australia to be re-interned; Canberra supported the Dutch colonialists.
A note from a prisoner tossed from a train reached a rail worker at Liverpool who could read Indonesian. Activists traced the men to nearby PoW camps. Unions campaigned for their release and blocked ships trying to service the return of the colonialists.
Former Australian ambassador to Indonesia, Gary Quinlan, once told foreign journalists:
“When the first military offensive against the independent Republic (by the Dutch who ignored the proclamation) was launched in July 1947, Australia complained to the new UN Security Council…
“President Soekarno chose Australia to represent Indonesia in these UN discussions, which ultimately led to independence on 27 December 1949. Australia formally recognised Indonesian independent statehood that day and formally sponsored Indonesian membership of the UN.”
The nation that’s remembering its guerrilla-action triumphs (Australian historian Dr Frank Palmos called the Battle of Surabaya “Indonesia’s Gallipoli”) has forgotten its antipodean diplomatic roots.
To wander the world’s largest archipelago last century was to collect handshakes by declaring: “I’m Australian,” as opposed to being Belanda (Dutch).
Now that is rare. Apart from toddlers staring at white skin, funny clothes and fat guts, our presence draws little reaction apart from shopkeepers doubling the price. Curiosity has yielded to coolness. Hello has become ho-hum, yet the deep differences remain.
Melbourne Uni academics Tim Lindsey and Dave McRae have put it well:
“There are no two neighbouring countries anywhere in the world that are more different than Indonesia and Australia. They differ hugely in religion, language, culture, history, geography, race, economics, worldview and population (Indonesia, 285 million, Australia less than 10% of that).
“Indonesia and Australia have almost nothing in common other than the accident of geographic proximity. This makes their relationship turbulent, volatile and often unpredictable.”
Particularly now that Prabowo is trying to emulate tough-guy Trump, which he can do with clout as a disgraced former general, by militarising his nation’s civil agencies.
Leading to 17 August, the Republic is going bananas with buntings and banners, flags and ribbons, red and white, draping everything upright, even smothering the fag ads that dominate the streetscape. Like it or not, we all fly a flag at the gatepost.
No worries that speed limits and other road signs get covered – even when clear, they’re ignored.
All verses of Indonesia Merdeka (freedom) are known, so no subtle coughing when the national anthem is played, often masking calls to prayer from mosque towers and the roar of motorbikes.
Then, it seems, secular patriotism trumps religious fervour in the world’s most populous Islamic nation – though not a theocracy.
We send almost 1.5 million tourists every year to Indonesia, mainly Hindu Bali. They return with melanoma spots, tattoos, braids and a couple of words – Bintang (star and a beer brand), bagus (good) and a booking for next year.
Few venture into Muslim Java, though it’s just a 30-minute ferry ride and a different universe.
Most visitors know the names of US politicians and what they’re doing, though not their Indonesian counterparts. Why should they? The Australian media rarely reports on the world’s third-largest democracy, even though the principle is under threat.
The exception is when a volcano blows or an uninsured Okker prangs a rental.
Some of the Oz teens flaunting their new bodies on Kuta beach may have briefly encountered junior high classes in Indonesian language and culture, but failed to follow into uni because courses have closed.
If only slogans about importance were taken seriously.
Indonesian public schools teach a little English, but concentrate on grammar. There are more pressing responsibilities; students in well-ironed uniforms are rehearsing for parades and flag raisings – all spectacularly choreographed though the goose-steps worry pacifists.
Equally sinister is the still-coming revision of history that has been discussed in this column and could become divisive, though the claimed intent is to unify. To be discovered.
The fun starts after noon when the atmosphere becomes more country carnival with greasy-pole climbing, horse rides and roadside snacks.
Curiously, little attention is given to preserving the era. The house where Soekarno proclaimed independence from the veranda has been demolished. Other historical landmarks have vanished.
The best account of Indonesia’s idiosyncrasies is in Indonesia Etc – exploring the improbable nation by former Reuters journo-turned-epidemiologist Dr Elizabeth Pisani. The US/English adventurer travelled 20,000km across the archipelago, usually alone:
“I only had one rule: ‘Just say yes’. Because Indonesians are among the most hospitable people on earth.”
Her book’s title comes from the hurriedly shaped Declaration of Independence that’ll never challenge the prose of Thomas Jefferson:
We, the People of Indonesia, declare the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The details of the transfer of power, etc., will be worked out as soon as possible.
Eighty years later, that’s still a work in progress. Maybe all will be fixed by the centenary.
The views expressed in this article may or may not reflect those of Pearls and Irritations.
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