Bans on communist symbols
Bans on communist symbols have been introduced or proposed in a number of countries as part of their decommunization policies. "Communism / Marxism–Leninism" (official terminology) was banned in Indonesia following the aftermath of the 30 September coup attempt and the subsequent anti-communist killings, by the adoption of TAP MPRS no. 25/1966 in the 1966 MPRS General Session and Undang Undang no. 27/1999 in 1999 (the corresponding explanatory memorandums of whom explain that "[Communism / Marxism-Leninism includes] the struggle fundaments and tactics taught by ... Stalin, Mao Tse Tung et cetera ..."), which are still in force. The law does not explicitly declare a ban on symbols of communism, but Indonesian police frequently use the law to arrest people displaying them. Some of its violators were people with no knowledge of symbols of communism, in which cases the authorities frequently freed them with only minor punishment or small fine applied. The display of such symbols in an attempt to propagate "Communist / Marxist-Leninist" ideals are considered a high treason, and could be punished by up to 20 years imprisonment. This makes Indonesia a country with a very strict anti-communist policy compared to other countries that also practiced anti-communism. Other socialist and left-wing related symbols, while not officially prohibited by law (as democratic socialism itself remained acceptable in the country) are still widely condemned by the Indonesian government and considered as being closely related to Communism in general. These include the red star, the socialist heraldry, the red flag, and anthems or slogans such as The Internationale and "Workers of the world, unite!". Despite this, The Internationale was still remained in use during International Labour Day. In addition, since the New Order regime took power in 1967, the hammer and sickle has been highly stigmatized in the country, similar to the stigma surrounding Nazi symbolism in the Western world and the Imperial Japanese flag in South Korea.
