Public Must Be Vigilant Against the “Dark Indonesia” Movement Disrupting National Stability
Jakarta – The government has urged the public not to be swayed by provocative narratives promoted under the banner of the “Dark Indonesia” movement. Officials argue that this narrative does not reflect the actual condition of the nation, which remains generally stable across economic, social, and political sectors.
Head of Presidential Communications, Hasan Nasbi, emphasized that the “Dark Indonesia” movement is largely agitational in nature, aiming to stir mass anxiety and psychological unrest among the public.
“There is no need for people to be provoked. Our economic activities continue as usual, shopping centers are busy, and consumer purchasing power remains strong. This proves that the national situation is safe and under control,” said Hasan.
His statement is supported by data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Ramadhan Wafid Mustafa, a junior statistician at BPS Nunukan Regency, noted that national inflation remains within the safe range of 1.5% to 3.5%.
“Controlled inflation shows that people’s purchasing power is maintained, and there are no significant economic shocks. Therefore, the ‘Dark Indonesia’ narrative is completely inconsistent with the actual state of our economy,” Ramadhan explained.
He further warned that spreading panic not only creates social unrest but also disrupts the progress of national development. He affirmed that Indonesia’s socioeconomic conditions remain positive and deserve collective support from all elements of society.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr. Romo HR Muhammad Syafi’i, also expressed concern over the spread of negative narratives. He described the term “Dark Indonesia” as a psychological weapon deliberately used to manipulate public opinion.
“This movement must be met with collective vigilance. The public—especially the younger generation—must stand at the forefront to uphold unity and resist divisive propaganda,” said Romo.
He pointed out that this provocation has spilled onto the streets, sparking groundless protests. In reality, he said, Indonesia is making significant progress in many sectors, including investment, education, and infrastructure development.
“We must be discerning when processing information. We must not allow our sense of nationalism to be diminished by false narratives promoted by a minority with disruptive intentions,” Syafi’i added.
The public is urged to remain calm, rational, and critical when evaluating information—especially content disseminated by groups promoting the “Dark Indonesia” agenda. At the same time, the government continues to prioritize open dialogue, transparency, and inter-agency cooperation to ensure the nation’s stability is preserved.
Fabricated fear must not be allowed to erode public confidence in the country’s development.
