September 10, 2025 | 05:41 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thousands of Nepali youth have been taking to the streets to challenge government censorship and corruption under the leadership of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The protesters are seen flying the Jolly Roger flags of the Straw Hat pirates from the popular anime One Piece.
After emerging as a symbol of resistance in Indonesia last month, the iconic One Piece flags are appearing in the ongoing anti-government protests in Nepal, local media reports as quoted by The Telegraph India on Tuesday.
The protests began on September 8 after the Nepalese government banned many social media platforms, citing fraudulent activities and the spread of misinformation online.
Some young demonstrators see it as a deliberate attack to suppress freedom of speech and expression. Young activists began demonstrating in Kathmandu and other cities across the country, demanding the government to lift the ban on online platforms.
At least 22 people have been killed and over 500 wounded across Nepal since the protests. Later that evening, the government restored social media platforms. However, the demonstrators continued their protests, demanding Oli's resignation.
Some protesters carried the distinctive Luffy's crew Jolly Roger flag from One Piece—a skull with a straw hat—during the protests. In this beloved anime series, waving the Jolly Roger is a declaration of living freely at sea, pursuing one's own dreams regardless of the world's rules.
The flag was recently used in protests across Indonesia, just a few weeks before the 80th Independence Day celebration on August 17. From atop trucks to the entrance of stores and hoisted alongside the Indonesian national flag, the Jolly Roger took over the country and became a source of courage to rebel.
Deputy Speaker of the House Sufmi Dasco Ahmad even called the flag-raising a "systematic movement" aiming to disrupt the national unity.
Set against the backdrop of pirates, One Piece tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy who sails with his eccentric crew on a perilous journey through the Grand Line to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King.
In his quest for true freedom, Luffy defeats formidable enemies, forges meaningful friendships, and uncovers the world's secrets.
Editor’s Choice: Students Wave One Piece Flag During August 25 Mass Protest at DPR Building
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