LONDON — The Indonesian Embassy in London has lodged an official complaint with British authorities following the circulation of a viral video that appears to show British content creator Bonnie Blue desecrating the Indonesian national flag. The move represents a formal diplomatic escalation in response to actions widely perceived as a deliberate insult to the Southeast Asian nation’s sovereignty.
The video, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, shows the 26-year-old individual, also known as Tia Emma Billinger, with the red-and-white Indonesian flag, the Sang Saka Merah Putih, draped from the back of her trousers in a manner deemed derogatory. The act was purportedly filmed after her deportation from Bali earlier this month for immigration and traffic violations related to the controversial “Bang Bus” incident.
Official Diplomatic Action Confirmed
In an official statement confirmed by Detik.com, the spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahd Nabyl A Mulachela, detailed the diplomatic mission’s response. “The Indonesian Embassy in London has coordinated with the central government and local authorities,” he stated. “The Embassy in London has submitted an official complaint to the relevant authorities in the United Kingdom, including the UK Foreign Ministry and the local police, for further handling in accordance with the laws, procedures, and jurisdiction applicable in the UK.”
This formal complaint, as reported, marks a transition from domestic legal proceedings in Indonesia to an international diplomatic and potential legal matter. It underscores the seriousness with which the Indonesian government views the alleged disrespect of its national symbol, an offense that carries significant weight under Indonesian law.
From Viral Provocation to Diplomatic Protocol
The case of Bonnie Blue has evolved from a local immigration enforcement issue in Bali into a transnational incident touching on national dignity. For the sizable international community in Bali, the episode highlights the profound cultural and legal boundaries that exist, even for those whose personal brands are built on testing limits.
The formal complaint initiates a process under British jurisdiction, where authorities will determine if the act constitutes a violation of local laws concerning public order or hate speech. The outcome remains uncertain, but Indonesia’s decisive diplomatic action sends a clear message: perceived attacks on its national symbols will be met with a structured, official response aimed at seeking accountability through all available channels.
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