Article Today, New Delhi:
A simple straw hat, popularised by the character Luffy in the Japanese manga One Piece, has emerged as a powerful emblem for youth movements. What began in Indonesia and Nepal has spread across Asia and beyond. Protesters are using the symbol to voice opposition to corruption, censorship, and authoritarian rule.
Origins in Indonesia
The movement gained visibility on August 17, Indonesia’s Independence Day. While President Prabowo Subianto promoted the traditional national headgear, many young citizens displayed the straw hat symbol to register their discontent. Arrests of protesters followed, but demonstrations only intensified, showing the depth of frustration among the youth.
Nepal’s Turning Point
Nepal witnessed a decisive moment on September 8, when the government led by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli banned 26 social media platforms. Youth groups viewed the ban as a direct assault on freedom of expression. Thousands of students and young citizens took to the streets of Kathmandu carrying banners with the straw hat symbol. The protests turned violent, leaving 19 people dead and about 500 injured. Following public pressure, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, and eventually Prime Minister Oli stepped down. The episode highlighted the capacity of Generation Z to influence political change.
Spread Beyond South Asia
The protests have not remained confined to Indonesia and Nepal. Young people in the Philippines, France, Italy, Peru, and Myanmar have also adopted the symbol. It has appeared in demonstrations linked to global conflicts, including rallies connected to the Gaza war. On social media platforms such as Reddit and Instagram, images of the straw hat have gone viral, reinforcing its identity as a shared marker of dissent.
A Global Symbol of Resistance
Observers note that the straw hat is no longer a reference only to a fictional character. Instead, it now represents a collective call for accountability and justice. Much like the fictional Luffy who challenged world powers in the manga story, today’s youth are using the symbol to confront real-world governments. Analysts believe the movement may shape future political landscapes and alter the dynamics of protest worldwide.
