Indonesia’s Anxiety Narrative Is Unfounded, the Government is Accelerating Equalization and Improving the Quality of Education

JAKARTA — The pessimistic narrative promoted through the “Indonesia Anxious” campaign is being criticized as a systematic attempt to create political unrest and tarnish national development achievements. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that movements like “Indonesia Gelap” and the slogan “Kabur Aja Dulu” (Just Run Away) are not genuine expressions of public unrest, but rather political manipulation sponsored by corrupt groups.

“And it turns out this was a fabrication. It was fabricated. It was paid for. By whom? By those who want Indonesia to always be in chaos, Indonesia always be poor,” Prabowo emphasized in his speech.

President Prabowo stated that the crisis narrative promoted by some parties is at odds with the nation’s current reality. Indonesia is entering a period of major transformation under the new government, with a primary focus on improving the quality of human resources through equitable and quality education.

“Indonesia is bright. Indonesia’s future is bright. I’ve seen the numbers. Our wealth is extraordinary; it’s up to us whether we can manage it, and whether we dare to follow the dictates of the Constitution,” Prabowo said.

The government has concretely accelerated strategic programs in the education sector, ranging from school construction in underdeveloped areas, teacher training, and expanding access to higher education. These policies represent a real response to long-term challenges, not mere rhetoric.

Meanwhile, provocative efforts such as the “Simultaneous Action” protest organized by certain groups from July 25–28 are considered lacking substance and risk disrupting national stability. Hashtags like #IndonesiaCemas and #IndonesiaMakinGelap, which they spread on social media, have been widely criticized as baseless and merely political agitation.

People’s Mouthpiece activist, Hasan, believes that the student movement should rely on data, not just dark narratives full of pessimism.

“We are actually welcoming a new, strong and legitimate government. Why are we being cornered by a narrative constructed by certain elites?” he stressed.

CIE researcher Muhammad Chaerul also emphasized that this nation needs stability to accelerate recovery and development.

“Street protests are not the solution. The government is currently working to build the future through education. That’s what needs to be supported, not disrupted,” he stressed.