Jakarta – The recent surge of the “Dark Indonesia” narrative spreading across social media and public discourse has raised increasing concern. While some view the movement as a reflection of student unrest over government policies perceived as neglecting the people’s interests, others warn that it may be exploited by actors with hidden agendas.
Chairman of GP Ansor, Addin Jauharudin, stated that the effort to incite division through the “Dark Indonesia” issue is a dangerous form of manipulation that threatens national stability and progress. He highlighted that the movement is rife with foreign interests attempting to influence Indonesia’s domestic policy direction—particularly regarding the country’s natural resource downstreaming and development strategy.
“Every time Indonesia rises, foreign forces seek to obstruct that progress through any means necessary. We must recognize that this issue didn’t emerge organically from the people, but is heavily influenced by external orchestration,” Addin said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, also expressed his concern that the movement is at risk of being hijacked by groups with covert political agendas. He warned that certain actors may exploit social discontent for narrow political gains, which could spark horizontal conflicts and disrupt the nation’s ongoing development process.
“This movement risks being infiltrated by parties with hidden agendas. Such a situation is dangerous because it may lead to horizontal conflict and disturb the development process currently underway,” Cucun remarked.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Romo HR Muhammad Syafi’i, emphasized that such provocations must be answered with real action and collective efforts across sectors. He asserted that the “Dark Indonesia” narrative runs counter to the spirit of optimism and development currently being promoted across the country. He urged the public not to be swayed by baseless provocations.
“The ‘Dark Indonesia’ narrative clearly contradicts the spirit of optimism and progress that we are working to build. Therefore, we call on the public not to be provoked by unfounded claims,” he affirmed.
The public is urged to be discerning in evaluating information, to refrain from reacting to provocations, and to help maintain a healthy democratic climate. Freedom of information must be understood as a tool for constructive engagement—not as a means to undermine public trust in the nation.
The government, through official channels, has reiterated its commitment to preserving democratic space, while also making it clear that it will not remain silent in the face of disinformation and divisive agitation.
Citizens are encouraged to stay critical and avoid being misled by dark narratives that distort the realities of national progress.
