"Dark Indonesia" and #KaburAjaDulu: Public Dissatisfaction with the Government

The "Dark Indonesia" movement, initiated by students, along with the viral hashtag #KaburAjaDulu, is seen as an expression of public disappointment with the current state of the country.

Public frustration has been fueled by several government policies, including budget cuts amounting to Rp306.69 trillion, which have affected various sectors such as public services, the free nutritious meal (MBG) program, and the revision of the Mineral and Coal Law (Minerba).

The "Dark Indonesia" protests have been taking place in Jakarta and several regions since Monday (February 17), with a climax planned for Thursday (February 20).

Rising Public Discontent

Lili Romli, a Senior Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), stated that the "Dark Indonesia" protests and the #KaburAjaDulu hashtag reflect growing dissatisfaction with Indonesia’s political and economic situation.

According to Lili, the public had high hopes for the newly elected president and vice president in the 2024 election. However, those expectations have not been met.

"People initially hoped that after the election, the new leadership would bring positive changes, such as more job opportunities, higher income, and better purchasing power. But instead, their hopes turned into disappointment, which is now expressed through protests and the #KaburAjaDulu hashtag," Lili said on Tuesday (February 18).

Ali Rif’an, Executive Director of the Indonesian Survey Flow (ASI), also noted that public anxiety is growing due to contradictions in government policies, including misallocated budget cuts.

He pointed out that rather than being allocated to essential areas like lecturers' performance allowances, the budget was instead used for the MBG program, which has faced widespread criticism.

"This reflects the public's concerns over Indonesia's paradoxical situation," Ali remarked.

Potential for Escalation

Ali warned that the "Dark Indonesia" and #KaburAjaDulu movements could continue to grow if President Prabowo Subianto's administration fails to respond properly.

"If the government does not clarify and justify the contradictions in its policies, these movements could expand and persist," he added.

Similarly, Agung Baskoro, Executive Director of Trias Politika Strategis, urged the government to respond promptly to these protests to prevent escalation.

"The government should not be defensive or overly aggressive, as that could further fuel extra-parliamentary movements," Agung stated.

He recommended that the government engage in dialogue with the public to address the issues raised in the protests.

Government Response

Meanwhile, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi rejected the "Dark Indonesia" narrative used by student demonstrators.

"We respect freedom of expression, but let’s not distort the facts. There is no such thing as a dark Indonesia," Prasetyo said at the Parliament Complex on Tuesday (February 18).

He urged the public to remain optimistic and patient, emphasizing that the new administration has only been in office for four months.

Meanwhile, Minister of Manpower Yassierli responded to the #KaburAjaDulu hashtag, stating that it reflects people’s drive to enhance their skills and seek job opportunities abroad.

However, he acknowledged that creating better job opportunities domestically remains a key challenge for the government.

"This is a challenge for us. The government must create better jobs, and this remains our concern and priority," Yassierli said at the Presidential Palace Complex on Monday (February 17).

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