The manga that became a symbol of the protest that overthrew the president of Peru

Peru’s Congress ousts President Dina Boluarte The Peruvian Congress approved, in the early hours of this Friday (10), the removal of President Dina Boluarte. She is accused of “moral incapacity”. The vote was unanimous “yes.” Boluarte is 63 years old and assumed the presidency in December 2022, after the dismissal and arrest of Pedro Castillo, who had tried to dissolve Congress. But the replacement also faced strong popular rejection — her approval varies between 2% and 4% — and responds to accusations of illicit enrichment. In July, she doubled her own salary, which increased criticism of the government. In the first three months of Boluarte’s government, there were more than 500 protests demanding his resignation. Amid the wave of protests in Peru, a new symbol has appeared: a flag related to the manga “One Piece”. The symbol, known as the Jolly Roger, has been known for centuries. In “One Piece”, pirates raise the design as a symbol of freedom against their government. Now, it has become a symbol of Generation Z protests in Peru, Madagascar and Indonesia. Understand: Flag marks the presence of generation Z in the protests The protests in Peru began in September, with young people opposing the recently approved legislation that determines that everyone over 18 must register with a social security institution. The measure was just the trigger for the demonstrations, as the local government and congress had been suffering strong criticism related to allegations of corruption, economic uncertainty and the increase in violence. A protester wearing a Spider-Man costume holds a ‘One Piece’ flag during a demonstration in Lima, Peru, on September 28, 2025 Angela Ponce/Reuters Since the protests began, the presence of banners and posters with the letter Z has been prominent, symbolizing Generation Z — made up of young people born between 1995 and 2010. The Generation Z protests in Peru follow similar movements carried out by young people in Indonesia and Nepal. A recurring symbol in the demonstrations is the “One Piece” flag. Leonardo Muñoz is one of the protesters in Lima who adopted the symbol. “The main character, Luffy, travels from city to city freeing people from tyrannical and corrupt rulers in slave cities. This represents what is happening in several countries. And this is what is happening now in Peru,” said Muñoz. Indonesia and Madagascar Flags from the anime and manga ‘One Piece’ are used for protests in Indonesia Reproduction/TikTok/Khoirudin The fashion for young people of Generation Z to raise the flag in protests started with Indonesians, who used the symbol as a way of saying they love the country, but do not completely agree with its policies. Since July, when Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto asked the population to raise the traditional red and white national flag before Independence Day, celebrated on August 17, other flags began to appear on the streets. Contrary to the request, the Indonesians chose the black flag with the skull and two crossed bones symbol, known as the Jolly Roger. Since then, they have been seen on streets, house doors, vehicles and paintings on walls. The option symbolizes the discontent of Indonesians, who criticize a government that, according to them, is increasingly centralized. Flag skull that appears in ‘One Piece’ became a symbol of rebellion in Indonesia Reproduction Some government representatives claimed that the manifesto was a coordinated attempt to divide the nation. Some called the move a betrayal. Still, according to the BBC, Minister Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi said that the president himself “has no objection” to flags as a form of “creative expression.” “However, they should not be used to challenge or diminish the meaning of the red and white flag. The two should not be positioned side by side to invite comparisons or conflict,” his office said. With the use of the Jolly Roger increasing, Jakarta police said they are “monitoring the use of non-national flags and symbols that are not in line with the spirit of nationalism, including pirate flags or fictional themes.” Although there is no law that restricts the use of fictitious flags, the legislation determines that, if they are raised, they must be raised alongside the national flag. And this must always be in a higher position. A protester wears a mask as he looks near a ‘One Piece’ flag during a protest in Madagascar, October 3, 2025 Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Protests in Madagascar also began in September, shortly after those in Peru. Led by young people from generation Z, the demonstrations are related to the water supply crisis and frequent power cuts in the region. Under strong pressure, President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution of the government, but the decision was not enough to quell dissatisfaction. Demands grew, with activists demanding Rajoelina’s resignation and the dissolution of the electoral commission, the Senate and the country’s highest court. ‘One Piece’ pirate flag becomes protest symbol in Indonesia

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