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Tale of 2 shows: Panned local film, One Piece flag row could dent Indonesia’s global image, say analysts
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A pirate flag from Japanese anime One Piece, which has been used in various protests across Indonesia, put up in Solo, Central Java.
PHOTO: AFP
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- A patriotic animated film, Merah Putih: One For All, meant to inspire unity, was ridiculed for poor quality, sparking debate over national identity.
- Protests using the One Piece's Jolly Roger flag were condemned by officials, but human rights groups defended it as freedom of expression.
- Analysts warn these controversies risk overshadowing Indonesia's national pride and highlight challenges in projecting a unified image.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Just days before Indonesia’s 80th independence day on Aug 17, a much-hyped patriotic animated film ridiculed for its poor quality has become the latest flashpoint in a debate over national identity and pride.
The criticism of Merah Putih: One For All comes on top of a separate recent row over the use of a popular Japanese anime series’ pirate flag alongside the national flag in various protests across the country.
