Bogor official disputes with barber over flag display

A viral video has sparked controversy in Rancabungur, Bogor Regency, involving a confrontation between local officials and a barbershop owner regarding the display of the Indonesian national flag, Merah Putih, ahead of the 81st Independence Day.

During a monitoring visit, Rancabungur District Head Dita Aprillia urged a barber, identified as Nur Hidayat, to display the flag. When questioned about his failure to do so, the barber responded, “Kata siapa sudah merdeka?” (Who says we are already independent?). Following the social media backlash, Nur Hidayat released a clarification video to apologize for his remarks.

Ferdinando Selmi Pardede, Head of Bakesbangpol in Bogor Regency, stated that the agency is seeking a full explanation of the incident. He emphasized that while the Ministry of Home Affairs issues circulars encouraging flag displays from August 1 to August 31, such actions are intended to foster voluntary nationalism rather than through coercion or sanctions.