By: Dhea Lila Amani
The narrative often raised regarding “Indonesia Gelap” is considered not to represent the voice of the people because public purchasing power has remained stable. The public is urged not to be easily provoked or fall for pessimistic narratives that only create fear among the public.
Several parties have begun to provoke the public through the “Indonesia Gelap” narrative. However, such provocations that depict the country’s economic helplessness clearly do not reflect the existing reality. On the contrary, available data shows a solid optimism regarding Indonesia’s economic stability. The government has successfully managed various major challenges and demonstrated extraordinary ability to maintain economic stability.
President Prabowo Subianto, in his statement at a press conference at the Presidential Palace, firmly expressed his optimism about Indonesia’s economy. Despite the global geopolitical uncertainty, Indonesia has managed to maintain its stability, reflected in its relatively low inflation and economic growth that is still above the global average. According to him, this stability is the result of appropriate policies and the government’s commitment to managing various sectors, despite the challenges and difficulties still to be faced.
President Prabowo also stated that Indonesia’s economic sectors are currently functioning well. Moreover, the government is determined to strengthen the national economy in the future, with the belief that further strengthening will be visible in the coming months. This optimism underscores that the “Indonesia Gelap” narrative is far from the truth.
However, the government’s optimism does not mean there are no challenges. Paramadina University economist Wijayanto Samirin shared his views on one of the government’s recent policies, which is the price discount policy during Ramadan and Idul Fitri.
Wijayanto hopes that such policies should not be limited to certain moments like Ramadan and Lebaran. He argues that food price stability needs to be maintained year-round to have a more sustainable impact on the public’s purchasing power.
He also suggested that discount policies should be carefully considered, given the financial impact on business actors who are expected to provide the discounts. Therefore, this policy must be supported by concrete actions, including from students.
Wijayanto remains confident that if these policies are implemented properly, Indonesia’s economic growth will be stimulated, especially in the first quarter of 2025. This is in line with the government’s efforts to maintain the public’s purchasing power and support economic development amid a challenging situation.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives, Arisal Aziz, also appreciated the government’s step in implementing budget efficiency policies. According to Arisal, this policy reflects the government’s commitment to listening to the aspirations of the people while ensuring more efficient and targeted budget use.
Arisal believes that with more directed budget allocation, various development programs will be more optimal and directly benefit the public, particularly sectors that truly need attention.
Arisal added that the synergy between the government and the House of Representatives in overseeing this budget efficiency policy is crucial. This is to ensure that the policy does not have negative impacts on priority programs that directly address the needs of the people, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Furthermore, Arisal emphasized that budget efficiency must still consider the welfare of the lower-income community, which is truly a priority in various public policies.
Arisal’s statement aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive for the state budget efficiency policy, aiming for savings of Rp306.69 trillion. This policy aims to reduce unproductive spending and redirect funds to sectors that need them, such as free nutritious food programs for schoolchildren and pregnant women. The reduction of budgets will also target ceremonial expenses and business trips, which are expected to reduce state budget waste.
These policies, both from the government and the legislature, reflect ongoing efforts to maintain economic stability, improve the sectoral ecosystem, and create greater opportunities for sectors that need them most. Notably, this budget efficiency policy not only benefits fiscal efficiency improvements but also strengthens public trust in the government’s performance.
Amid a global situation filled with uncertainty, Indonesia is not in darkness, as often echoed by provocative narratives. On the contrary, the steps taken by the government demonstrate a serious commitment and effort to maintain economic stability, ensure the continuity of development, and promote public welfare. Therefore, the “Indonesia Gelap” narrative does not represent the voice of the people, who are instead benefiting from the government’s policies. (*)
The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute.
