By: Andika Pratama
The “Dark Indonesia” narrative that has recently been echoed in the public space is not only baseless, but also has the potential to damage national optimism. A nation that is growing and continuing to improve needs positive energy and constructive criticism, not divisive agitation. Spreading pessimism by framing Indonesia’s condition as a country that is in decline does not reflect the reality on the ground and will only create psychological chaos in society.
In fact, Indonesia is still showing significant progress in various sectors. Economic stability is maintained, people’s purchasing power has not decreased significantly, and social and economic activities continue to run normally. Democratic life is also still running, as evidenced by political stages such as the 2024 Election which took place peacefully and participatory. Therefore, the narrative about “Dark Indonesia” is actually more appropriately called propaganda than substantive criticism.
These actions are more provocative than an attempt to enlighten public discussion. Moreover, if the narrative is driven without adequate data and only aims to create chaos. Moreover, a number of national figures also observed that this kind of movement is often ridden by foreign interests that do not want Indonesia to grow as a strong and independent country. The General Chairperson of GP Ansor, Addin Jauharudin, reminded that big agendas such as natural resource downstreaming and economic independence often become threats to global powers that have benefited from Indonesia’s dependence. In this context, the narrative of “Dark Indonesia” can be read as part of an effort to damage public trust in the direction of national development.
It is important to realize that Indonesia is currently at a strategic momentum towards Indonesia Emas 2045. The Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka administrations carry a grand vision to realize the ideals of independence more concretely through eight strategic missions summarized in Asta Cita. The eight pillars cover various dimensions of national life, from strengthening ideology to eradicating corruption, from food independence to interfaith tolerance.
Asta Cita is not just a political document, but a comprehensive national development guide. This mission is designed to answer the real challenges of the nation, while responding to the needs of the community from villages to cities. In it there is a spirit of sustainability, equality, and active participation of the people in development. This vision cannot be carried out by the government alone, but must receive collective support from all components of the nation.
This support has begun to grow from various groups, one of which is the Legal Journalists Alliance (AJH). This organization calls on the public to abandon political differences after the election and unite to support the new government. The General Chairperson of the DPP AJH, Dofuzogamo Gaho, invited all elements of society, especially intellectuals, activists, and professionals, to play an active role in ensuring the optimal implementation of Asta Cita. He emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and rejecting provocation from external forces that want to thwart the ideals of Indonesia’s revival.
In the momentum of 27 years of reform, reflection on its achievements and shortcomings is also important. AJH highlighted that there are still major challenges in efforts to realize social justice, bureaucratic reform, and eradicate corruption. However, the spirit of reform must not be extinguished. In fact, in the Prabowo-Gibran era, the hope of fixing the weaknesses of reform is wide open again. The new government brings a commitment to work quickly, seriously, and on target in overcoming various national problems.
The government also emphasized that future development will not only focus on economic growth, but also on equitable distribution of development results. The program of building from the village, industrial downstreaming, and strengthening the quality of human resources through education and health are the core of the real work expected by the people. All of this is summarized in Asta Cita, which is the compass for the direction of long-term national development.
The public must be more careful in responding to every narrative that is spread, especially in the current digital era. Disinformation and agitation with populist packaging can distort public understanding of the direction of state policy. Therefore, the role of mass media and public figures is very strategic in educating the public and strengthening national optimism.
Building a just, prosperous, and sovereign Indonesia is not a short job. This is the work of generations, work that requires synergy between the state and its people. All parties need to realize that collective pessimism will only slow down progress. On the contrary, by supporting the national agenda rationally and participatively, the ideals of Golden Indonesia 2045 are not illusions, but goals that are very possible to achieve.
Therefore, the narrative of “Dark Indonesia” must be countered with data, achievements, and real work. This nation is not heading towards darkness, but is walking a long path full of hope. By making Asta Cita a guide for national development, Indonesia will continue to move towards a brighter, stronger, and more dignified future in the eyes of the world.
*The author is an observer from the Indonesian Institute of Strategic Studies
