Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai has defended the government's right to ban the display of fictional flags, including the “One Piece” pirate flag, alongside the national Red-and-White flag during the Independence Day commemoration in 2025.

“The ban is an important effort to protect national symbols as a form of respect for the state,” he said in a press statement on Sunday (3/8/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The minister considered that the act could be seen as unlawful and even seditious. He added that the decision aligns with international law, allowing states to take necessary measures to protect national integrity and stability.

Minister Pigai referred to the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Indonesia through Law No. 12/2005, which permits limitations on freedoms in the interest of national security.

He clarified that the ban should not be interpreted as a restriction on freedom of expression, but rather a move to protect core national interests during a historically significant celebration.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)