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With its wide grin, hollow eyes and unmistakable straw hat, the “One Piece” pirate emblem is now waving over real-world political unrest
A pirate flag from the Japanese anime ‘One Piece’ pirate flag during a protest in Surabaya. (AFP photo)
From the bustling streets of Jakarta to the historic gates of Kathmandu and now the tear-gas-filled protests in Madagascar, a curious flag has become the face of youth-led resistance around the world.
With its wide grin, hollow eyes and unmistakable straw hat, the “One Piece” pirate emblem, once a fictional symbol from a Japanese manga, is now waving over real-world political unrest.
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In Nepal, where youth joblessness is above 20%, and in Madagascar, where nearly 75% of people live below the poverty line, the pirate flag is not a gimmick, it’s a protest in cloth form. Young people are embracing it as a shared symbol of anger, frustration, and a call for change.
Indonesia: Disillusionment And Digital Solidarity
In August, protests erupted in Indonesia over deepening corruption, rising inequality, and what many saw as hollow patriotic celebrations. During Independence Day events, young protesters began waving the One Piece pirate flag — directly challenging the state’s version of nationalism.
The government’s criticism of the flag only fuelled its popularity, transforming it into a rallying cry for disillusioned youth. Authorities even labelled it “treasonous”, which only drew more attention to it.
Nepal: Anger At Elites And Unemployment
Just weeks later, in Kathmandu, Nepal, protesters stormed the gates of Singha Durbar, the ornate palace and seat of government, during demonstrations against unemployment and perceived elite excess.
The One Piece flag was seen everywhere — a clear symbol of youth refusing to be silent in the face of a failing system. Slogans like “Gen Z won’t be silent” and “Our future is not for sale” accompanied the banner.
Madagascar: Power Cuts And Public Fury
On 1 October, thousands of protesters in Madagascar marched through the capital, Antananarivo, frustrated by repeated power and water shortages. Demonstrators waved the One Piece flag, inspired by the movements in Indonesia and Nepal.
Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets as smoke rose from burning barricades. Many demanded the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina, who had already dismissed his government in a bid to calm tensions.
What Is One Piece?
One Piece is a Japanese manga series created by Eiichiro Oda in 1997. It follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they challenge a corrupt world government in search of freedom and treasure.
Over the past 25 years, the series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, earned a Guinness World Record, and spawned a successful TV series, live-action adaptation, and billions in merchandise sales.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Indonesia
October 03, 2025, 17:45 IST
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