Malaysia apologizes for Indonesia flag blunder, reprinting regional games guide

KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA (Reuters) - Malaysia apologized on Sunday for the upside-down printing of
Indonesia’s flag in the souvenir guidebook for the Southeast Asia Games, which officials said is being
withdrawn and reprinted.

The mistake, spotted at the games’ opening in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday,
sparked an outcry in Indonesia and the hashtag #ShameonyouMalaysia was trending on social media.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo told reporters in Jakarta the incident concerned “national pride”, and
called for an apology.

Within hours, Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman apologized to the government and people of
Indonesia for the “inadvertent error”, saying that all measures have been taken “to address this
unfortunate situation”.

Earlier, Malaysia Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the mistake would be corrected and
a new guidebook sent to the games’ officials and guests.

“We apologize for affecting the image and reputation of the Republic of Indonesia, as the flag is a
symbol of pride,” he said after meeting Indonesia’s delegation to the games.

Indonesia’s flag has two horizontal bands with red on the top and white underneath. Turning it upside
down makes it look like Poland’s flag.

Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi acknowledged Khairy’s apology, and said he hoped
the incident will not be repeated.

Imam earlier expressed dismay, posting pictures of the mistake on his Twitter account after the games’
opening ceremony. “It was a good opening ceremony but spoiled by this fatal negligence that was very
painful,” he said.

The flag blunder was the latest in a series of embarrassing incidents at the regional sports meet.