House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani has called on the government to exercise wisdom in responding to public criticism, as unconventional forms of protest and political satire − the latest “One Piece” Flag hoisting − continue to circulate online.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 joint session of the DPR and Regional Representatives Council (DPD) on Friday, Aug, 15, 2025, Puan noted that citizens are increasingly using creative and technology-driven means to express discontent, particularly through social media.

“Expressions range from short phrases like ‘just run first,’ sharp remarks such as ‘Dark Indonesia,’ political jokes like ‘Konoha country,’ to new symbols such as the ‘One Piece flag’ and many more that are spreading widely in the digital space,” Puan, who also serves chairperson of the executive board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), said.

She stressed that these expressions, however humorous or symbolic, carry underlying messages that must be understood. “What is required of us all is wisdom not only to hear but to understand, not only to respond but to do so with a clear heart and open mind,” she said.

The black flag featuring the Jolly Roger, a skull-and-crossbones emblem from the Japanese anime series One Piece, has recently drawn attention in Indonesia. In the series, the flag symbolizes freedom and resistance against a corrupt and authoritarian “World Government.”

On the other hand, Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad described the flag’s appearance ahead of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day as a “systematic attempt” to sow division. “We have received input from security institutions indicating there are efforts to undermine national unity,” Dasco told reporters at the Parliament Complex on July 31, 2025.

Dasco, who is also Deputy Leader of President Prabowo Subianto’s Gerindra Party, warned that certain groups were seeking to push Indonesia backward despite what he described as progress under President Prabowo’s administration.

He urged the public to remain united in the face of such provocations. “We must resist such actions. Let us stand together and fight against them,” he said.