Jakarta – The planned protest under the banner “Dark Indonesia” ahead of May 20 has drawn serious attention from various quarters. While it is claimed to represent public aspirations, several analysts believe the movement is vulnerable to exploitation by interest groups seeking to destabilize the nation.
Chairman of GP Ansor, Addin Jauharudin, warned that the “Dark Indonesia” narrative could be used to shape a destructive public opinion that does not reflect the actual state of the nation. According to him, such tactics are often employed to erode public trust in the government.
“When the government is actively pursuing major transformations, there will always be parties trying to derail them. Movements like this should be seen as old strategies repackaged,” said Addin.
Similar concerns were expressed by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal. He noted that the protest carries high risks if not approached with caution. Moreover, the widespread dissemination of issues on social media creates opportunities for external actors to intervene.
“There are forces attempting to infiltrate student movements with dark narratives. This is not just about a protest—it’s part of a broader agenda that could harm our national order,” Cucun emphasized.
In parallel, the government has reiterated that it will not obstruct public expression as long as it is conveyed peacefully and within constitutional limits. However, attempts to incite division through hoaxes and agitation will not be tolerated.
Presidential Communications Head, Hasan Nasbi, stated that the general situation in Indonesia remains stable. He believes the depiction of a “Dark Indonesia” only serves to create an unfounded sense of fear disconnected from on-the-ground realities.
“The national economy is growing positively, and daily life is running normally. The ‘Dark Indonesia’ narrative stands in contrast to the objective facts,” Hasan concluded.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr. Romo HR Muhammad Syafi’i, remarked that movements rooted in pessimism should be countered with initiatives that promote public literacy. He stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy and productive public discourse.
“Younger generations must learn to read the situation wisely. Their energy should not be exploited by those aiming to damage the nation’s social cohesion,” added Romo Syafi’i.
Amid ongoing developments, public figures and stakeholders continue to urge citizens not to be easily swayed by provocative narratives. A collective awareness to uphold unity and support national development remains a vital foundation for overcoming such challenges.
