TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Several international media outlets have reported on the mass protest movement ‘Indonesia Gelap‘ (Dark Indonesia) held on Monday, February 17, 2025. The protests, led by Indonesian students, voiced criticism of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration for straying from reformist ideals.
1. The Star, Malaysia
Malaysian media The Star described the demonstrations as an expression of public discontent over policies enacted by Prabowo and former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
“Public dissatisfaction with the current situation in Indonesia has manifested itself in several movements protesting against the policies of President Prabowo Subianto and his predecessor.” The Star reported on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
In an article titled ”Dark Indonesia’ protests erupt nationwide with students taking to streets’, The Star highlighted student-led demonstrations organized by BEM SI at the Arjuna Wiwaha (Horse Statue) in Jakarta’s National Monument (Monas) area.
The report also covered online protests featuring an image of the Garuda emblem against a black background alongside the hashtag #IndonesiaGelap.
“The protesters claim that Indonesia is not progressing toward its Indonesia Emas (Golden Indonesia) vision but is instead heading into darkness,” the article stated.
The Star also referenced last year’s “Emergency Warning” protests, where demonstrators used a blue-background Garuda to oppose Jokowi’s push for his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, to run for governor.
Additionally, The Star highlighted the trending #KaburAjaDulu movement, where Indonesians expressed frustration over unemployment and the government’s failure to provide sufficient job opportunities, prompting many to seek work abroad.
2. Taiwan Plus News
Similarly, Taiwan Plus News reported on the Dark Indonesia protests, emphasizing public anger over budget cuts made by Prabowo’s administration.
The demonstrators also rejected the government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, arguing that it should not be a priority amid economic concerns.
“Thousands have taken to the streets across Indonesia protesting budget cuts by the Prabowo administration,” Taiwan Plus News stated in its “Indonesia Mass Protest” report on X on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
3. The Straits Times, Singapore
Singaporean media The Straits Times also covered the protests in an article titled ‘‘Dark Indonesia’ protests erupt nationwide with students taking to streets’.
Published on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the report highlighted the involvement of thousands of students across multiple cities, coordinated by BEM SI, in demonstrations against Prabowo.
The Straits Times also mentioned the Garuda Hitam symbol—a black-background Garuda image circulating online with the #IndonesiaGelap hashtag.
According to the report, protesters argued that Indonesia was not progressing toward its Golden Indonesia (Indonesia Emas) vision but was instead heading into uncertainty. The media also noted how slogans were altered from “Indonesia Emas” to “Indonesia Cemas” (Anxious Indonesia) and “Indonesia Lemas” (Weak Indonesia).
4. UCA News, Hong Kong
Hong Kong-based UCA News focused on student protests and published an article titled ‘Indonesian govt’s austerity push sparks concern, protests’.
The outlet reported that public demonstrations were primarily driven by concerns over government budget cuts, which many feared would reduce essential services for the poor and vulnerable groups.
Protesters urged the government to reconsider its austerity measures, as these cuts were believed to negatively impact key ministries and agencies.
UCA News also covered protests in Papua, where demonstrators demanded free education instead of free meals, arguing that quality schooling and adequate facilities were more urgent needs.
Many Papuans criticized the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, claiming it lacked clear objectives and was merely a political promise by Prabowo.
5. Asia News, Italy
Milan-based Asia News also reported on the protests in an article headlined ‘Indonesian students take to the streets against Prabowo’s policies’.
The media highlighted the #IndonesiaGelap movement and noted how, within a few hours, the slogan has amassed over 785,000 posts on X.
‘In Surabaya, East Java, a rally turned violent when students clashed with police,’ the article mentioned.
Asia News also covered the budget cuts under Prabowo’s administration, raising concerns that these measures would harm public services and disadvantaged communities.
The article concluded with, “…..many Indonesians fear that these measures could further penalise public services and the weakest sections of the population.”
Editor’s Choice: BEM KM UGM Ready to Join ‘Indonesia Gelap’ on Thursday, February 20
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