By: Kurniawan Binangkit
The commemoration of Reform Day on May 20 should serve as a moment of reflection and reinforcement of healthy democratic values. However, if it is turned into a stage for demonstrations potentially infiltrated by foreign interests, such actions could threaten national stability and erode public trust in the country’s future.
Several parties have begun to voice their rejection of the planned May 20, 2025, demonstrations. One of them is Haris Rusly Moti, former Commander of the National Volunteer Team for the Prabowo-Gibran campaign. He expressed concern over the potential exploitation of student protests by foreign entities. According to him, certain geopolitical forces may attempt to leverage social unrest to create political instability in Indonesia. Haris emphasized that the nationalistic economic policies of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration have sparked anxiety among foreign actors who previously benefited from the old system.
Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, the Indonesian government has indeed embraced a strong nationalist strategy. Strategic moves such as joining BRICS, the establishment of national financial institutions like Danantara and the Gold Bank, and the policy mandating the repatriation of export foreign exchange (DHE) are all part of a broader agenda to strengthen economic independence. These policies clearly reduce Indonesia’s dependency on foreign economic forces and pave the way for a stronger foundation for domestic development.
However, such paradigm shifts are not always welcomed by all. Foreign interests that feel disadvantaged will not stand idly by. Provocation and the creation of negative public narratives become their main weapons to distort public perception. Within this context, the May 20 protest call may be exploited as a vehicle for hidden agendas. The “Dark Indonesia” narrative, for example, is a framing that does not reflect reality. In fact, various indicators suggest that the nation is on a path of revival—economically and in terms of strategic governance.
As the government works to build a stronger foundation, the emergence of mass demonstrations becomes a counterproductive distraction. Haris Rusly stressed that many protests emerging from student circles are actually rooted in misunderstandings of the government’s policy direction. He believes these policies are well-founded and aimed at protecting long-term national interests. This misunderstanding, he argued, might not be purely intellectual—it could be the result of engineered narratives pushed by vested interests.
Issues raised by some protest organizers, such as budget efficiency and foreign debt management, are valid. However, when these issues are framed as agitation rather than education, there is great concern that the real objective is not to build national discourse but to divide and derail the country’s transformation efforts. We must honestly admit that there are actors who do not want to see Indonesia become economically independent and politically sovereign.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has firmly responded to the growing pessimistic narratives. He emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected by the constitution, it should not be used to spread misleading information. According to him, portraying Indonesia today as “dark” is a distortion of reality that can mislead the public and cause unnecessary anxiety. Indonesia is moving forward, not backward. The Prabowo-Gibran administration has only been in office for a few months and is working hard to address challenges inherited from the past.
In a democracy, criticism is welcome. But it must be delivered constructively, not through street protests that are easily infiltrated by provocateurs and interest groups. Moreover, May 20 is a highly symbolic and sensitive moment. If exploited without clear reasoning, the protest could escalate horizontal conflict in a society still healing and reuniting after the 2024 elections.
We must learn from history. Many demonstrations that began with the idealism of students were eventually hijacked by external forces with other agendas. When social movements lose control, what emerges is no longer the voice of the people, but the influence of hidden interests attempting to undermine national consensus. This is a serious risk that must be avoided—not only by the government but also by students and youth, who should serve as the moral compass of the nation, not political tools for foreign powers.
The May 20 moment should be used to rekindle national spirit. Instead of pushing students to the streets to stir unrest, we should encourage dialogue and academic forums to critically and objectively examine government policies. The Prabowo-Gibran administration needs time and support to demonstrate the effectiveness of its strategic initiatives. Let us not rush to judge before seeing the real results of what is being prepared.
The Indonesian people are now faced with an important choice: to follow the wave of agitation with no clear direction, or to stand firm in support of ongoing development. In a globally uncertain environment, national stability is a priceless asset. Therefore, maintaining social harmony is far more important than responding to demonstrations whose motives may not truly reflect the people’s interests.
It is time to use reason and national conscience. Do not let dark narratives obscure the reality that Indonesia is rising. Let us reject the May 20 protest and safeguard unity as the main foundation for building a stronger, sovereign, and dignified Indonesia on the global stage.
The author is a domestic political analyst.
