By: Kurniawan Ramadhan )*
Provocative actions that use the narrative of “dark Indonesia” as a psychological weapon in the public space must be responded to with collective vigilance. This issue is not only circulating on social media, but has also spread to the streets and incited demonstrations in various regions.
In fact, the objective situation in Indonesia actually shows indicators of significant progress in many sectors. Therefore, the public needs to be clearer and more critical in responding to the information that is spread, so as not to fall into the trap of manipulative opinions that can disrupt national stability.
President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his surprise at the emergence of the discourse of “dark Indonesia” in an economic discussion held at Menara Mandiri, South Jakarta. In the forum, he touched on how propaganda lies can be a tool to lead public opinion in the wrong direction.
Citing the classical propaganda theory once used by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, Prabowo emphasized that lies that are repeated can be easily believed by many people. This phenomenon is called a part of psychological warfare that is deliberately played to create instability.
Through an open approach and explanations based on facts and science, Prabowo emphasized that such propaganda can be refuted. He also stated that the narrative of “dark Indonesia” does not reflect the actual conditions.
In his view, Indonesia is experiencing positive developments, especially in the agricultural and economic sectors. Prabowo said that farmers feel more prosperous, production has increased drastically, and various regulations have been simplified to accelerate growth.
A similar attitude was also expressed by the Deputy Minister of Religion, Romo HR Muhammad Syafi’i. In the Studium Generale activity at the Bandung Institute of Technology, Romo emphasized that Indonesia’s future is bright, especially under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Even the sunny weather in Bandung at that time was considered a symbol of optimism that reflected the positive direction of the nation’s journey. He emphasized the importance of national resilience and the involvement of the younger generation in supporting the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
Responding to students’ questions regarding the low socio-cultural resilience, Romo Syafi’i said that the formation of the Ministry of Culture was a strategic step that the government would take.
This effort is expected to strengthen national identity and expand inclusive socio-cultural programs. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the nation’s history, constitution, and strengthening Pancasila values as a foundation in strengthening national resilience.
In this context, according to him, the younger generation must be at the forefront in maintaining the direction of the nation’s struggle. He invited them to be aware of divisive colonialist doctrines and to strengthen solidarity across identities. This idea is important to ensure that the nation’s fighting spirit is maintained and not reduced by detrimental external influences.
Furthermore, Romo Syafi’i also emphasized the urgency of implementing Pancasila Economics in implementing Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. He argued that the national economy must side with social justice, not merely with market innovation. In his view, the state must be actively present in people’s lives, especially in protecting vulnerable groups through social security schemes or “social safety nets” as regulated in Article 34 of the 1945 Constitution.
He considered priority government programs such as free nutritious meals and public schools promoted by Prabowo and Gibran to be real manifestations of this principle. Father Syafi’i stated that the constitution has emphasized the role of the state not only as a protector, but also as a “parent” for the helpless people. This means that the state must not be neutral towards inequality, but must actively guarantee the basic needs of the community.
According to data from the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia, Indonesia’s national resilience is at 2.87, which is categorized as quite resilient. Of the eight main components, the demographic aspect recorded the highest score with a value of 3.20, indicating the great potential of the demographic bonus.
On the other hand, the socio-cultural aspect actually received the lowest score, namely 2.55. This shows the challenges in building a collective awareness of a strong national identity rooted in noble values.
Meanwhile, ITB Vice Chancellor Andryanto Rikrik Kusmara emphasized the importance of academic forums such as Studium Generale as a forum for strengthening students’ national insight. According to him, since independence, Indonesia has carried out a great mission to become an advanced and prosperous nation.
To realize this ideal, the participation of all elements of the nation is needed, including campuses and societyt civil. Andryanto invited all components to build cross-sector synergy in order to create a collective awareness of the direction of the nation’s struggle in the future.
Andryanto also emphasized that campuses must play an active role not only in academic aspects, but also in the formation of national awareness. He said that students must be given space and opportunities to be directly involved in strategic and constructive national agendas. This will strengthen their real contribution in realizing a just and prosperous future for Indonesia.
The narrative of “dark Indonesia” which is now spreading is actually at risk of misleading if it is not based on objective facts and studies. The government, academics, and the wider community have shown that Indonesia’s current condition is on a positive track, both in terms of economic, social, and cultural aspects.
Therefore, it is important for every citizen to prioritize rationality in receiving and responding to developing information. Only in this way will the spirit of nationalism and national resilience remain strong in facing the various challenges of the times.
)* The author is a social observer
