By: Samuel Christian Galal
The mass action carrying the narrative of ‘Indonesia Gelap’ (Dark Indonesia) has become a topic of widespread attention. In a time of national stability, this movement has the potential to harm the public by spreading unwarranted panic.
The provocation through the theme of ‘Indonesia Gelap’ is considered irrelevant, as it could disrupt public order and create unrest amidst the government’s efforts to maintain economic balance and public welfare. If panic spreads further, its effects could undermine confidence in government policies, destabilize markets, and reduce optimism among business actors who contribute to the national economy.
The ‘Indonesia Gelap’ action has already led to riots in several regions across Indonesia. In East Java, for example, the demonstration ended in chaos as some protesters attempted to enter the DPRD (Regional Representative Council) building and set fire to a coffin and banners they were carrying, prompting security forces to take firm action. In Jakarta, protesters also threw plastic bottles, trash, and wooden sticks at the authorities.
Meanwhile, in Makassar, South Sulawesi, demonstrators blockaded the Trans-Sulawesi route, causing significant traffic congestion. As a result, the public, whom they claimed to represent, had to endure disruption in their daily activities.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the current budget efficiency policy is on the right track for the people’s benefit. In his speech at the 17th anniversary of the Gerindra Party, he expressed confidence that these measures will bring positive impacts to society.
The efficiency of the ministry’s budget, which amounts to Rp306 trillion, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the national economy without sacrificing public services. The government’s commitment to this policy reflects a serious effort to maintain fiscal stability. Prabowo stressed that this efficiency is not simply a budget cut but an alignment of state spending to be more targeted and beneficial for the people.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati addressed concerns regarding the termination of honorary workers due to budget efficiency. In a press conference at the DPR RI (Indonesian Parliament), she clarified that there would be no layoffs for honorary workers in ministries and agencies. The government is restructuring the budget to ensure efficiency in spending without compromising the rights of honorary employees.
Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025 on Budget Efficiency in APBN (State Budget) and APBD (Regional Budget) Implementation serves as the primary reference to optimize the budget while ensuring workers’ welfare.
Minister Sri Mulyani also explained that this reconstruction process involves a thorough evaluation of the needs of each ministry and agency to ensure that spending remains efficient while preserving employee welfare, including honorary workers who play a vital role in maintaining public services.
Additionally, the stable inflation rate is evidence that the national economy is on track. The Chief Statistician at the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Nunukan, Ramadhan Wafid Mustafa, revealed that the inflation rate of 1.5% to 3.5% will not significantly affect the public’s purchasing power.
Although inflation is often linked to a decrease in purchasing power, stable prices within this range still allow the public to conduct their economic activities normally. In contrast, uncontrolled inflation, either too low or too high, can harm the economy as a whole. Ramadhan further explained that if inflation drops too much below 1.5%, economic growth could slow down, while a spike in inflation above 3.5% would significantly raise prices and burden the public’s purchasing power.
These facts indicate that the narrative brought by the ‘Indonesia Gelap’ movement lacks a solid foundation. The current national situation remains under control thanks to various strategic policies implemented by the government.
Spreading information intended to provoke panic will only have negative effects on the public, especially in a time when the economy is in the recovery phase. Public trust in government policies based on data and facts must be strengthened so that it is not easily swayed by harmful provocations.
Actions based on provocation and inaccurate information can create instability, which harms many parties. Instead of being caught in baseless worries, the public needs to be more discerning in filtering information and understanding the government’s steps in maintaining national stability.
Economic and social resilience relies not only on government policies but also on how the public responds to information circulating in public spaces. Vigilance against fake news and hoaxes is a crucial factor in keeping the situation conducive.
In such a situation, wise reception of information becomes the key to avoiding the negative effects of actions that can worsen the situation. The public is expected not to be easily provoked by movements that lack factual foundations and to remain active in ensuring the situation remains conducive.
By understanding the economic conditions and the policies being implemented, the collective interest can be safeguarded without being affected by provocations that could potentially harm. The government and society share a joint responsibility in maintaining social order and ensuring that the narratives spreading in society do not worsen the situation but instead serve as a basis for collective progress.
The author is a contributor at Gala Indomedia.
