Students Lead ‘Dark Indonesia’ Protests Against Budget Cuts

Thousands of students across Indonesia staged demonstrations on Thursday under the banner of Dark Indonesia, protesting against budget cuts and other policies introduced by President Prabowo Subianto. Protesters fear these measures could weaken social support systems and jeopardize their future.

Dressed in black, around a thousand students marched through the streets of Yogyakarta, holding placards and chanting for change. The protests, which come just four months after Prabowo’s landslide election victory, also took place in other major cities, including Jakarta and Medan.

The Dark Indonesia movement has gained momentum on social media as a symbol of growing discontent. Another trending phrase, Just Escape First, reflects concerns among young people seeking opportunities abroad.

In Jakarta, student leader Herianto voiced concerns over funding cuts in the education sector, following Prabowo’s directive to reduce government spending by approximately $19 billion. The cost-saving initiative aims to support various policies, including a national school lunch program.

“Indonesia is in darkness because of unclear policies,” Herianto stated. “These cuts are meant to fill the funding gap for the free meal program, and education is at risk. Students are outraged.”

Responding to the protests, State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi assured that the government would review the students’ demands. Meanwhile, Prabowo’s office maintained that the budget adjustments would not impact education or teacher welfare. However, with various ministries scaling back spending, concerns remain over potential disruptions to government services.

Beyond budget cuts, students also protested against the increasing involvement of the military in civilian affairs and the limited availability of subsidized cooking gas.

Despite the unrest, Prabowo continues to enjoy widespread popularity, with independent surveys—such as one conducted by Indikator Politik Indonesia—showing an approval rating close to 80%. However, Indikator’s Executive Director Burhanuddin Muhtadi warned that the president’s support could wane as these policies take effect, particularly as the country’s middle class contracts.

“If the government fails to address these concerns, public anxiety could rise, potentially lowering Prabowo’s approval ratings,” Muhtadi noted.

The Dark Indonesia protests mark the largest demonstrations since last August, when mass rallies forced lawmakers to abandon proposed election law amendments. Then, thousands of protesters clashed with security forces, facing tear gas and water cannons.

With growing tensions over economic policies and social welfare, the movement signals a potential challenge for Prabowo’s administration in the months ahead.