Mataram, Aug. 2 -- Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto clarified that the government does not prohibit citizens from participating in an online trend involving the hoisting of a pirate flag inspired by the Japanese comic and animation series One Piece .

"In my view, such a form of expression is a natural phenomenon in a democracy, as long as it does not contradict the Constitution," he told the media during an official visit to Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Saturday.

While expressing no objection to the trend, he emphasized that Indonesia's Red and White national flag must take precedence.

He urged the public to respect and raise the national flag throughout the country in celebration of Indonesia's 80th Indepe...