BEKASI, Shiro Copr The extensive media coverage about many truck drivers putting up pirate flags from the anime series One Piece has raised the awareness of two box truck drivers transporting oil, Rahmat (30) and Dadang (28).
"Of course, there have been many news reports about putting up the One Piece flag," said Rahmat when he was met in Kranji area, Bekasi Barat, Bekasi City, on Wednesday (8/6/2025).
From the report, both immediately caught the implied message behind the installation of the black pirate flag ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
According to Rahmat, the installation of the iconic Jolly Roger flag as a form of protest by the community, especially truck drivers, regarding Indonesia's struggling economic condition.
The negative impact of the unstable economic condition was also felt by him.
Rahmat and Dadang also felt the direct impact of the weak national economy, such as the rise in basic commodity prices.
This increase is considered very burdensome for Rahmat and Dadang, who have limited income from their salaries as truck drivers.
"His economy seems to be fluctuating, even trending downward. Prices are rising, for example, basic commodities, they are generally increasing," he said.
Not only the price of basic needs, Rahmat also highlighted the high unemployment rate in Indonesia.
It was from here that Rahmat and his fellow truck drivers in the area where he works took the initiative to put up a One Piece flag.
Of the six truck units, five of them have already been equipped with One Piece flags on the back of the vehicles.
Pure aspiration, always uphold the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia
Rahmat stated that installing the One Piece flag does not necessarily undermine the dignity of the Red and White flag.
She stated that the installation of the One Piece flag is merely a form of expressing aspirations and still upholding the dignity of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
This is proven by the position of the Indonesian flag (Merah Putih) being higher than the One Piece flag on his vehicle.
"It's purely an aspiration, the main point is still prioritizing the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), because I am also an Indonesian citizen who always upholds the NKRI," he emphasized.
She hopes that the installation of the One Piece flag will attract the government's attention and provide a solution to economic issues and unemployment.
"So, attention is still needed, and the government also needs to provide solutions, such as more job opportunities. In short, there should be no or not too much pressure on the small people," added a resident from Banyumas, Central Java.
Meanwhile, his colleague Dadang stated that the One Piece flag will be removed from his vehicle on August 17, 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
She also hopes that the removal of the One Piece flag will be accompanied by a solution to the economic problems faced by the community.
"Actually, I just want to be heard and given a solution, not just listened to," added Dadang.
Prabowo Has No Problem with the One Piece Flag
Previously reported, President Prabowo Subianto said he has no problem with the One Piece pirate flag, Jolly Roger, if it is a form of expression by the community.
This was revealed by State Secretary Minister (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi when asked how President Prabowo responded to the display of One Piece flags before August 17th.
"Since it's a form of expression, it's okay, there's no problem," said Prasetyo, at the Istana Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday (8/5/2025).
However, according to Prasetyo, the President does not want the One Piece flag to be placed alongside the Red and White Flag.
"But don't carry or collide it with, place it side by side, or oppose it with the Red and White flag," he emphasized.
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