The Conversation – From the streets of Paris and Rome to Jakarta, Indonesia, and New York, a unique banner has started to appear in protest squares. The figure depicted is instantly recognizable: a character with hollow cheeks, a broad grin, and a straw hat adorned with a red band. This image has been raised by young demonstrators demanding change. In Kathmandu, Nepal, where public anger against the government reached a boiling point in September 2025, the symbol became the defining image as flames spread through the gates of Singha Durbar, the ornate palace complex that serves as the seat of power.
The image, typically displayed on a flag with a black background, originates from “One Piece,” a highly popular Japanese manga. What began as the emblem of a fictional pirate crew nearly three decades ago has now transformed into a powerful symbol of youth-led resistance. It has appeared in demonstrations across Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and France.
As a scholar of media and democracy, I observe the spread of the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hats Pirates—once confined to the pages of a manga—now found in protest squares as an example of how Gen Z is redefining the cultural vocabulary of dissent.
Pop culture as political expression
“One Piece” arrived at the birth of Gen-Z, created in 1997 by Japanese manga artist Eiichiro Oda.
Since then, it has sold more than 500 million copies and has a Guinness World Record for its publishing success.
It has spawned a long-running TV series, live-action films and a more-than-US$20 billion industry, with merchandise licensing alone generating about $720 million each year from Bandai Namco, the company best known for creating Pac-Man and Tekken.
At its core, “One Piece” follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they challenge a corrupt world government while seeking freedom and adventure.
For fans, the “One Piece” flag is not a casual decoration but an emblem of defiance and perseverance. Luffy’s ability to stretch beyond physical limits after consuming a magical fruit has become a powerful metaphor for resilience, while his unwavering quest for freedom against impossible odds resonates with young people navigating political environments marked by corruption, inequality and authoritarian excess.
When protesters adopt this flag, they are not simply importing an aesthetic from popular culture, but are drawing on a narrative already legible to millions.
The flag began cropping up in protests over the past few years. It was being waved at a “Free Palestine” protest in 2023 in Indonesia and in the same year in New York during a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
But it was in Indonesia in August 2025 that the flag’s political life truly took hold. There, protesters embraced it to voice frustration with government policies and mounting discontent over corruption and inequality. The timing coincided with government calls for patriotic displays during independence celebrations, sharpening the contrast between official nationalism and grassroots dissent.
The movement gained momentum when authorities responded with strong criticism of the flag’s use, inadvertently drawing more attention to the symbol. Government officials characterized the displays as threats to national unity, while protesters viewed them as legitimate expressions of political frustration.
Why the flag travels
The speed with which the “One Piece” Jolly Roger flag spread across borders reflects the digital upbringing of Gen Z. This is the first cohort to grow up fully online, immersed in memes, anime and global entertainment franchises. Their political communication relies on what scholars call “networked publics” – communities that form and act through digital platforms rather than formal organizations.
Solidarity in this setting does not require party membership or ideology. Instead, it depends on shared cultural references. A meme, gesture or flag can instantly carry meaning across divides of language, religion or geography. This form of connection is built on recognizable cultural codes that allow young people to identify with each other even when their political systems differ.
Social media gives this solidarity reach and speed. Videos of Indonesians waving the flag were clipped and reshared on TikTok and Instagram, reaching audiences far beyond their original context. By the time the symbol appeared in Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital, in September, it already carried the aura of youthful defiance.
Crucially, this was not simple imitation. In Nepal, the flag was tied to anger at youth unemployment and at the ostentatious wealth of political dynasties displayed online. In Indonesia, it reflected disillusionment with patriotic rituals that felt hollow against a backdrop of corruption. In both cases, the Jolly Roger flag worked like open-source code – adaptable locally but instantly legible elsewhere.
Part of the flag’s effectiveness comes from its ambiguity. Unlike a party logo, the “One Piece” Jolly Roger flag originates in popular culture, which makes it difficult for governments to suppress without appearing authoritarian. During the latest protests in Indonesia, authorities confiscated banners and labeled them treasonous. But such crackdowns only amplified public frustration.
Fiction as reality
The “One Piece” flag is not alone in being reimagined as a symbol of resistance.
Across movements worldwide, pop culture and digital culture have become a potent resources for activists. In Chile and Beirut, demonstrators wore Joker masks as a visual shorthand for anger at corruption and inequality. In Thailand, demonstrators turned to “Hamtaro,” a children’s anime about a hamster, parodying its theme song and waving plush toys to lampoon political leaders.
This blending of politics, entertainment and personal identity reflects a hybrid media environment in which symbols drawn from fandom gain power. They are easy to recognize, adapt and defend against state repression.
Yet cultural resonance alone does not explain the appeal. The “One Piece” flag caught on because it captured real-life grievances. In Nepal, where youth unemployment exceeds 20% and migration for work is common, protesters paired the emblem with slogans such as “Gen Z won’t be silent” and “Our future is not for sale.”
In Indonesia, some protesters argued that the national flag was “too sacred” to be flown in a corrupt system, using the pirate banner as a statement of disillusionment.
The spread of the flag also reflects a broader shift in how protest ideas move across borders. In the past, what tended to travel were tactics such as sit-ins, marches or hunger strikes. Today, what circulates fastest are symbols, visual references from global culture that can be adapted to local struggles while remaining instantly recognizable elsewhere.
The flag goes global
The flag’s journey from Asian streets to protests in France and Slovakia demonstrates how the grammar of dissent has gone global.
For today’s young activists, culture and politics are inseparable. Digital nativity has produced a generation that communicates grievances through memes, symbols and cultural references that cross borders with ease.
When protesters in Jakarta, Kathmandu or Manila wave the “One Piece” Jolly Roger flag, they are not indulging in play-acting but transforming a cultural icon into a living emblem of defiance.
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The Rise of a Symbol
The journey of this iconic symbol from fiction to activism highlights the evolving nature of protest imagery. Young activists are increasingly drawing from pop culture, using familiar and visually striking elements to communicate their messages. This trend reflects a broader shift in how younger generations engage with political and social issues, leveraging the power of media and entertainment to amplify their voices.
Why “One Piece”?
The “One Piece” franchise, created by Eiichiro Oda, has gained a massive global following over the years. Its themes of freedom, adventure, and rebellion resonate deeply with younger audiences. The Straw Hats, the pirate crew at the center of the story, embody the spirit of challenging authority and fighting for what they believe in. These values have made the Jolly Roger an appealing symbol for those seeking change.
Global Impact
The use of this symbol in protests around the world underscores its universal appeal. In Indonesia, where youth have been at the forefront of calls for political reform, the Jolly Roger has become a rallying point. Similarly, in Nepal, where the 2025 protests highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with governance, the symbol took on new meaning. Across different regions, it represents a shared desire for justice, transparency, and accountability.
Cultural Resonance
This phenomenon also speaks to the growing influence of Japanese pop culture on global movements. The integration of elements from anime and manga into real-world activism demonstrates how cultural products can transcend their original context to become tools for social change. It shows that young people are not only consumers of media but also active participants in shaping the narratives that define their struggles.
The Role of Social Media
Social media platforms have played a crucial role in spreading this symbol. Visual content, such as images of the Jolly Roger, can be easily shared and adapted, making it a versatile tool for activists. Hashtags, memes, and digital art have helped to keep the symbol relevant and visible, ensuring that it continues to gain traction in various forms of protest.
A New Language of Dissent
The adoption of this symbol marks a shift in how dissent is expressed. Traditional protest imagery often relies on national flags, historical figures, or political slogans. However, the use of a fictional pirate emblem suggests a more creative and inclusive approach. It allows for a sense of unity among diverse groups, as the symbol is not tied to any specific nation or ideology.
Conclusion
The Jolly Roger of the Straw Hats Pirates has evolved from a simple cartoon emblem into a powerful representation of youth-led resistance. Its presence in protests around the world reflects the changing dynamics of activism and the increasing role of pop culture in shaping political discourse. As Gen Z continues to challenge the status quo, symbols like this will likely play an even greater role in the future of social movements.
