TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The newly released logo for Indonesia's 80th Independence Day has drawn comparisons to 'Keroppi,' the well-known frog character created by Japanese company Sanrio, according to some residents.
Adinda Haryanto, a private sector worker in Jakarta, pointed out that the logo for the 80th anniversary of Indonesian independence strikingly resembles Keroppi when rotated 90 degrees. The 25-year-old explained that, when turned, the logo forms the eyes and mouth of a frog. "When rotated, it resembles Keroppi," she said when contacted on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
The design of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day logo features a simple, red-and-white appearance, combining several shapes to form the numbers "8" and "0." The number eight is created from two adjoining circles, with a white rectangle placed in the middle. Meanwhile, the number zero is formed from one of two red-and-white cylinders.
Adinda elaborated that when the logo is rotated 90 degrees, it forms a frog's face. The white rectangular shape, originally vertical, becomes horizontal, resembling a line of eyes. Concurrently, the white cylinder within the number zero takes on the appearance of Keroppi's mouth.
Furthermore, Adinda stated that the logo fails to reflect the spirit of independence. She found the vertical white rectangle in the number 8 to be unharmonious and forced, suggesting it indicates a lack of freedom.
"At a glance, the logo also looks like '00' (empty). It seems to harken back to the pre-independence era," she commented.
The opinion that the 80th anniversary logo resembles Keroppi was also echoed by several netizens on social media X. One user, Mr_Cill, noted that rotating the logo 90 degrees to the right would make it resemble both Keroppi and a monkey.
Despite this observation, Mr_Cill expressed appreciation for the logo, stating, "Without diminishing the respect and appreciation for this logo," as quoted on Tuesday, July 24, 2025.
In a separate interview, Faisal Bachri (27) believed that the logo effectively symbolizes the unity and independence of Indonesia. "In my opinion, this logo is already good. The meaning is clear," he said when contacted on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
According to him, the public should focus on celebrating Indonesian Independence Day rather than criticizing the logo. He views this year's anniversary as a moment to serve the nation and the country. "Just focus on celebrating this independence," the private sector employee urged.
A different perspective came from a social media user on X named 'Izel Kifly', who stated that the government should prioritize creating job opportunities. As the 80th anniversary approaches, many people are still struggling to find work. "I ask for those who haven't found work to get decent jobs," he said, as quoted on Tuesday, July 24, 2025.
The palace officially launched the theme and logo for Indonesia's 80th Independence Day on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that the theme and logo were determined by the Ministry of Creative Economy in collaboration with the Indonesian Graphic Designers Association (ADGI).
The winner of the logo competition is designer Bram Patria Yoshugi, who was selected as one of the top five finalists from a total of 245 candidates. Prasetyo stated that President Prabowo Subianto reviewed all the top five designs.
"Bapak President reviewed everything. He looked at each one. Then he decided to choose the design made by the association," said Prasetyo at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on July 23, 2025.
Bram mentioned that his design concept stemmed from an effort to summarize the themes of Unity, Sovereignty, Prosperous People, and Indonesia. He aimed to encapsulate these words with a meaningful identity.
"In addition, there are lines symbolizing the prosperity of the people. And in its entirety, it signifies a Prosperous Indonesia," Bram explained after the inauguration at the Presidential Palace.
As of the publication of this article, Bram has not responded to Tempo's messages when contacted today.
Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to this article
Editor's Choice: President Prabowo Announces Theme and Logo for Indonesia's 80th Independence Day
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