The Semiotic Meaning of One-Piece Symbols - The Inspiration of Generation Z in the August 2025 Demonstrations

Aug 23, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky

Semiotics examines how signs work to create meaning, and this study applies Roland Barthes’ framework, building on Ferdinand de Saussure, to analyze symbolic communication in the anime One-Piece. Focusing on Indonesia’s Generation Z, the research uses qualitative descriptive methods within a constructivist paradigm to interpret symbols including the Straw Hat, Jolly Roger, Will of D, and Grand Line. Results show these elements function as representations of solidarity, courage, and resistance toward corruption, allowance increases, mass layoffs, and unfair tax burdens. Generation Z expresses political resistance through public demonstrations and digital culture, forming a new resistance narrative for socio-political change.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Political responses and government credibility

Social media and youth political consciousness

One-Piece symbols as resistance narratives

Context of digital democracy and civic expression

Popular culture reinterpretation as resistance

Socioeconomic pressures and perceived inequity

Volume 7, Issue 4, Desember 2025 E-ISSN 2721-0642 The Semiotic Meaning of One-Piece Symbols: The Inspiration of Generation Z in the August 2025 Demonstrations Iwan Supriyadi1*, Chaerani Agustin1* ¹Department of Communication, Master of Strategic Marketing Communication, BINUS Graduate Program, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia *Correspondence E-mail: [iwan.supriyadi@binus.ac.id](iwan.supriyadi@binus.ac.id)¹* Abstract Semiotics refers to an analytical discipline concerned with understanding the mechanisms through which signs function and generate meaning. This study examines Roland Barthes’semiotic framework, which expands upon the fundamental concepts introduced by Ferdinand de Saussure, aiming to extend the application of sign analysis to broader cultural and communicative contexts. This semiotic research seeks to analyze the symbolic meanings within the anime One-Piece among Indonesia’s Generation Z, focusing on their critical stance toward governmental arbitrariness. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach and a constructivist paradigm through Roland Barthes’ semiotic analysis, this study explores symbols such as the Straw Hat, Jolly Roger, Will of D, and Grand Line. The findings reveal that these symbols are not merely fictional elements but serve as representations of solidarity, courage, and resistance against corruption, parliamentary allowance increases, mass layoffs, and unjust tax burdens. Generation Z uses One-Piece symbols as expressions of political resistance, both in public demonstrations and through digital culture, establishing a new resistance narrative that reaffirms their role as agents of socio-political change. Keywords: One Piece, Generation Z, Semiotics, Roland Barthes, Solidarity, Political Resistance Introduction The phenomenon of hoisting the One-Piece pirate flag beneath Indonesia’s national Red-and-White banner in the lead-up to the 80th Independence Day triggered strong responses from the government. This act served as a form of public criticism and discontent toward government policies perceived as burdensome—such as tax increases, mass layoffs, and raises in parliamentary allowances. Generation Z perceives a decline in the government’s credibility and accountability in the eyes of its citizens (Suryani, 2013) . Born and raised during an era of globalization and digital revolution, this generation has grown up within an environment characterized by elite greed. Out of this disillusionment, a wave of political consciousness has emerged—one that cannot be ignored. Their perceptions of legislative institutions are also shaped by corruption scandals and the influence of social media (Azhari & Amaliyah, 2024) . Based on Generation Z’s critical stance toward government arbitrariness and legislative misconduct, this article explores the inspirations behind their involvement in the August 2025 demonstrations. Volume 7, Issue 4, Desember 2025 E-ISSN 2721-0642 Initially, Generation Z’s resistance took the form of viral WhatsApp messages and widespread calls across social media urging investigations into alleged corruption by the former seventh president, the impeachment of the vice president, and demands to dissolve the parliament for failing to perform its oversight functions (Amston Probel, 2025). The call intensified as government and legislative responses were seen as lacking empathy, transparency, and sensitivity to public grievances regarding salary and allowance controversies (Achmad Fikri, 2025; R. Wahyu Handoko, 2025; Syahnanto Noerdin, 2025). As a unifying symbol of resistance, the movement adopted imagery from Eiichiro Oda’s anime and manga One Piece. The series, beyond its global entertainment appeal, carries symbolic meanings and a narrative of defiance against oppressive regimes, creating space for critical interpretation among its fans (Barthes, 1972; John Fiske, 2010) . Key symbols in One Piece—such as the Straw Hat symbolizing dreams and solidarity, t

FAQs

How does the study define the role of semiotics in interpreting One-Piece symbols?

Semiotics is used to analyze how signs generate meaning. The study applies Roland Barthes’ semiotic framework to interpret layered symbolic meanings in One-Piece.

Which One-Piece symbols are analyzed and what themes do they represent?

The study analyzes the Straw Hat, Jolly Roger, Will of D, and Grand Line. They are interpreted as expressing dreams and solidarity, collective identity, courage against oppression, and a metaphorical journey toward liberation.

How does Generation Z use One-Piece symbols in relation to political resistance?

Generation Z uses the symbols to express political resistance in both public demonstrations and digital culture, reinforcing their narrative as agents of socio-political change.

Aug 23, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky