Jakarta: Hundreds of students and activists staged renewed “Dark Indonesia” protests across major cities on Friday, voicing strong opposition to President Prabowo Subianto’s policies, particularly the $19 billion spending cuts they argue are undermining essential support systems.
As the evening sky darkened and rain began to fall, demonstrators clad in black gathered near the presidential palace in Jakarta. Holding up posters with slogans such as “The government consists of dumb people,” they also referenced Prabowo’s beloved “first cat”, claiming that if it could speak, it would join their cause.
Clad in black attire and under pouring rain, students and activists stage 'Dark Indonesia' protests against President Prabowo's policies https://t.co/qMVpdHaP8q pic.twitter.com/Zw0P7j92Fj
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2025
Friday’s demonstration was the latest in a series of protests that have swept through several major cities this week. The movement’s name, “Dark Indonesia,” reflects the perceived uncertainty and bleakness of the government’s policies, according to student leader Herianto, who participated in the rally.
One of the main points of contention is Prabowo’s flagship initiative to provide free meals to students. To finance this program, his administration implemented a $19 billion budget cut affecting various sectors, including travel, consultancy, training, and stationery expenditures. Critics argue these reductions have negatively impacted teacher welfare and could lead to higher tuition fees—an assertion that Prabowo’s office has denied.
Also Read | Trump Reassigns Top ICE Official as Deportations Fall Short
In Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, protesters staged a theatrical performance symbolizing poverty, with one demonstrator rolling on the ground to illustrate economic hardship, local media outlet CNN Indonesia reported.
Beyond financial concerns, demonstrators also protested the expansion of military roles in civilian affairs and the limited availability of subsidized cooking gas.
Also Read | US Science Agency Downgrades Workers’ Status Amid Federal Cuts
“These policies delegitimize us as Indonesians,” said university student Ridho Anwari Arifin at the Friday protest.
The protests come just four months after Prabowo assumed office as Indonesia’s eighth president, following his decisive victory in the election.
