Politics of Identity in the Anime One Piece by Eiichiro Oda and Its Relevance to Indonesia’s Socio-Political Dynamics

Abstract

This study examines how political identity is represented in the anime One Piece by Eiichiro Oda and how these representations relate to Indonesia’s contemporary socio-political dynamics. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, this research explores narrative elements, character interactions, and symbolic depictions of power structures to identify political messages embedded within the series. Ibn Khaldun’s theory of power and social cohesion serves as the primary analytical framework, particularly his concepts of asabiyyah and the rise and decline of authority. The findings reveal that One Piece illustrates various forms of identity-based contestation, including resistance against authoritarian regimes, the construction of collective solidarity, and challenges to unjust political domination. These narratives parallel identity politics in Indonesia, where issues such as civic inequality, state legitimacy, and group mobilization continue to shape public discourse. The study argues that popular culture—especially anime—plays a significant role in influencing youth political socialization and perceptions of justice, demonstrating that fictional media can act as a critical lens for understanding real-world political issues.