Barber Scolded for Not Raising Flag, Bogor Sub-District Head Speaks Out
A video circulating on social media shows a barber being ‘scolded’ by an official for not displaying the Red and White flag in Bantarkambing Village, Rancabungur, Bogor, West Java. The person recording the video appeared emotional while questioning the barber’s reasons for not putting up the flag. A verbal argument ensued, though the barber responded calmly while continuing to serve a customer. The person recording repeatedly asked why the flag was not displayed and invoked the name of the sub-district office, while the barber stated he felt disturbed by the individual’s presence.
When asked for confirmation, Rancabungur Sub-district Head Dita Aprillia explained that the incident occurred on Friday, 7 August 2026. She stated that every Tuesday and Friday, her team conducts street cleaning activities, and during August they also distribute flags. As flag stocks were running low after distributions since the first of the month, they were being selective, prioritising those in need. Upon seeing the young, productive barber whose shop was busy, she said she simply reminded him to put up a flag as she had run out of stock for that area.
Dita said the barber initially agreed to her appeal, which she described as a call to display the Red and White as a symbol of nationalism during independence month. She noted that such appeals are made annually and are in accordance with a circular from the Bogor Regent issued via the National Unity and Political Affairs Agency. She clarified that the person who argued with the barber was not a sub-district employee but a media colleague who had initially joined to help urge residents and assist with cleaning, not for publication purposes.
Dita explained she had taken a short break after the journey when the argument between her media acquaintance and the barber occurred. She disapproved of the emotional manner in which the resident was addressed and has since conveyed this to the individual. The barber has since apologised via video, was summoned by local neighbourhood leaders for a reminder, and has now received and raised a flag.