By: David Kiva Prambudi
Indonesia continues to maintain a highly stable situation. The government’s ongoing policies demonstrate that the country is committed to preserving economic and social stability for the benefit of all its citizens.
The ‘Indonesia Gelap’ demonstrations have proven to incite chaos in various parts of the country. In East Java, for example, protests turned violent when demonstrators attempted to breach the local DPRD building and set fire to coffins and banners, prompting security forces to take firm action. In Jakarta, protesters threw plastic bottles, trash, and wooden sticks at officers.
In Makassar, South Sulawesi, the demonstration disrupted public order further by blocking the Trans-Sulawesi route, causing significant traffic congestion. As a result, the very people the protesters claim to represent had to bear the consequences of their actions, with daily activities severely disrupted.
In light of these events, it is crucial for students and the public to understand and analyze that the policies being implemented are designed to benefit, not harm, the people.
One such policy is the government’s ongoing budget efficiency efforts, which are currently on the right track. President Prabowo Subianto expressed optimism about this policy and praised the ministers for adjusting their respective budgets to achieve significant efficiency, amounting to Rp306 trillion.
The President believes that this policy will not only optimize budget use but will also have a positive impact on the people of Indonesia, especially in improving the quality of public services.
This budget efficiency policy is ultimately aimed at long-term welfare for the people. The global economic uncertainties should not be used as an excuse to delay the efficiency measures that will provide stability for Indonesia’s economy.
The policy is also part of the government’s efforts to respond to major challenges facing Indonesia, such as global economic tensions and climate change, which are affecting key sectors.
According to President Prabowo, this policy allows the country to continue its development programs to improve welfare without sacrificing the basic needs of the people. Therefore, this policy should be understood wisely, without responding to provocations that may only create social uncertainty.
Furthermore, the emergence of concerns, such as speculation about the termination of honorarium workers (PHK) within ministries and agencies, should not contribute to further anxiety.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, in a press conference on February 14, 2025, emphasized that the issue of honorarium layoffs is false. The ongoing budget restructuring is aimed at ensuring that the budget efficiency does not result in reductions in honorarium workers, who have contributed greatly to public service.
This step also ensures that all public service sectors continue to operate well, in line with President’s instructions through Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025. Minister Sri Mulyani emphasized the importance of further research into this policy to demonstrate the government’s seriousness in managing state finances without causing discomfort to honorarium workers.
The government recognizes that the greatest challenge in implementing such a large-scale policy is ensuring that all affected parties understand its goals and implementation process. Thus, more intensive education and socialization are needed so that the public does not fall into baseless issues that could disturb social tranquility.
On the other hand, Indonesia’s economic stability remains intact, despite inflation being one of the primary concerns. Inflation, which remains controlled within the range of 1.5% to 3.5%, according to Ramadhan Wafid Mustafa, a senior statistician from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), does not significantly affect the public’s purchasing power.
In fact, inflation controlled within this range indicates a healthy economy. Proper inflation control will maintain price stability, which, in turn, will support the public’s purchasing power.
In this context, provocations from a few parties who manipulate this situation only harm the overall conditions. When the situation is stable and conducive, actions that encourage mass protests or unrest can only disrupt the ongoing development process.
Such provocations not only threaten social stability but also create uncertainty among the public who are striving to improve their well-being. Therefore, it is wiser for every element of society to understand the larger goals behind the government’s policies, and to collectively maintain order while supporting policies that offer long-term benefits.
Ultimately, Indonesia remains on the right track to face economic and social challenges. The budget efficiency policy, effective inflation control, and the government’s efforts to ensure public welfare all demonstrate that Indonesia is still very much conducive to growth.
Provocation that could disrupt peace will only make the situation worse, ultimately harming all parties. Therefore, it is time for the entire society to maintain peace and support the government’s programs for the nation’s progress. By understanding and supporting the policies in place, Indonesia can emerge from all its challenges stronger and more united.
The author is a contributor at Yudistira Institute.
