JAKARTA – The mass protest under the banner “Indonesia Gelap” that continues to be voiced by certain parties has the potential to trigger national instability.
The public is urged not to be easily provoked, as the situation in various sectors remains stable and conducive.
Economic activities are operating normally, shopping centers are bustling, and public purchasing power remains intact.
In this regard, Head of Presidential Communications, Hasan Nasbi, revealed that President Prabowo has conveyed a message to university students that the public service sector will not be impacted by the budget efficiency measures.
“He also conveyed to our friends from the universities that the President is very firm—there will be no reductions in the operational costs of higher education, KIP for university students, and scholarships,” Hasan Nasbi said.
Earlier, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati also dismissed rumors about the termination of honorary workers (PHK) due to budget efficiency measures.
In a press conference at the Indonesian Parliament (DPR RI), she emphasized that there would be no layoffs of honorary workers within ministries and agencies.
“We assure you that the efficiency measures, or in this case, the reconstruction of ministry/agency budgets, will not affect honorary workers,” Sri Mulyani stated.
The government is also conducting further research to ensure that these efficiency measures do not disrupt public services, in line with Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025.
On the other hand, economic data shows that inflation is still under control, ranging between 1.5% and 3.5%, which does not significantly affect public purchasing power.
Ramadhan Wafid Mustafa, Chief Statistician of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in Nunukan, emphasized that stable inflation is an indicator of a healthy economy.
“In theory, inflation does affect purchasing power. But when inflation is controlled, meaning it stays within the range of 1.5% to 3.5%, it does not significantly impact public purchasing power,” he explained.
On the ground, facts show that music concerts are still full, shopping centers are crowded, and economic activities continue as usual.
Therefore, the “Indonesia Gelap” protest is seen as not reflecting the real situation in society and has the potential to worsen the national situation.
The public is urged not to be influenced by calls that could disrupt the stability of the country. (*)
