Jakarta – Amid the widespread circulation of the “Indonesia Gelap” (Dark Indonesia) issue and related demonstrations in several regions, analysts and government officials emphasize that the national economy is in fact showing a positive growth trend.
They urge the public not to be swayed by pessimistic narratives deliberately promoted by certain groups seeking to create political unrest and disrupt national stability.
Intelligence analyst Amir Hamzah stated that the wave of demonstrations and the spread of the “Indonesia Gelap” narrative indicate a systematic effort to create the illusion that the country is experiencing a multidimensional crisis. He explained that the pattern of how this issue is being disseminated is heavily infused with coordinated intelligence tactics aimed at delegitimizing President Prabowo Subianto’s newly inaugurated administration.
“The provocation behind the ‘Indonesia Gelap’ narrative must be taken seriously. This movement fuels a sense of pessimism, as if Indonesia is entering a period of darkness under current leadership, when in reality, various indicators suggest the opposite. Development continues and the results are evident across multiple sectors,” Amir said.
He also warned that the actors behind this narrative are not just ordinary citizens but include individuals with political interests who are attempting to erode public trust in the legitimate government.
“This is a form of unhealthy public opinion manipulation and must be countered with data and facts,” he stressed.
Government data shows that Indonesia’s economy remains strong and resilient. According to Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the government remains optimistic that Indonesia’s economy can grow by up to 5.2% in 2025.
“This optimism is supported by several positive indicators, such as consistent economic growth over the last eight quarters averaging around 5%. Inflation is under control, foreign exchange reserves are rising, and the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has stayed in the expansion zone for the past 28 consecutive months,” Susiwijono explained.
In addition, the unemployment rate continues to decline, signaling real improvements in national labor conditions. On the export front, non-oil and gas exports have shown significant growth.
Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo confirmed that Indonesia’s economic growth remains on track despite global uncertainty. He noted that non-oil and gas exports—particularly in palm oil and motor vehicles—have become key drivers of economic performance.
“Bank Indonesia forecasts that economic growth in 2025 will remain strong, in the range of 4.7% to 5.5%,” he stated.
Perry also added that the central bank continues to optimize its policy mix to maintain stability and support sustainable growth. Bank Indonesia fully supports the government’s Asta Cita program, which covers economic financing, digitalization, downstream industrialization, and food security.
Given these various achievements, it is important for all elements of society to remain clear-headed and not be easily provoked by baseless issues. The “Indonesia Gelap” movement not only misrepresents the reality, but also threatens to undermine the unity and collective spirit of hard work that the nation is striving to build.
