Indonesia, Aug. 5 -- The Bangka Belitung Islands administration has banned the hoisting of pirate anime flags ahead of the commemoration of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day anniversary on August 17, 2025.

The ban was issued in response to a viral social media post showing the Straw Hat Pirates flag from the Japanese series One Piece being flown ahead of this year's Independence Day commemoration.

The provincial government has urged local residents not to hoist pirate anime flags, acting head of the Bangka Belitung Islands' National Unity and Political Affairs Office, Ferdiyan, said here on Monday.

He then urged locals to hoist the Red and White flag to honor the country's fallen heroes and heroines.

The provincial government is worki...