Illustration: Hutomo – CC BY-SA 4.0 license from Wikimedia
What is happening?
Can light come out of darkness? Indonesian youth who have been protesting on the streets of the archipelagic nation since February 17 seem to believe that. The #IndonesiaGelap demonstrations, which translates into “Dark Indonesia,” show students’ and activists’ discontent with the policies of President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo that, protesters believe, point to the growing issue of state capture in Indonesia. The core of the unrest lies in Prabowo’s austerity measures, which have impacted sectors that are critical for human development, like education. Less than three decades since Indonesia began its transition to democracy, protesters also fear the specter of authoritarianism and the expansion of the armed forces’ role in civilian life.
What is the broader picture?
Prabowo’s rise to power in the 2024 Indonesian presidential election was significantly bolstered by the backing of then-incumbent President Joko Widodo. Analysts argue that Widodo’s support helped Prabowo consolidate a broad political coalition, despite lingering concerns over his record, including allegations of human rights violations during his military career. In particular, Prabowo has been able to gain significant support from young voters, which can be attributed to his sophisticated social media campaign, “authoritarian nostalgia” or the waning memory of Indonesia’s “New Order,” and growing concerns about economic well-being among younger demographics.
Now, the same people who helped elect Prabowo – millennials and Generation Z constituted about 52 percent of the colossal 204,807,222-strong registered voter base in 2024 – are taking it to the streets to voice their discontent. In February, students staged around 100 demonstrations in at least 30 provinces across the country.
Since taking office, Prabowo’s administration has asseverated economic growth and national security, but his recent austerity measures, mandated through Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025, have drawn criticism. Cuts in education and welfare programs are particularly concerning. Education authorities will likely need to limit the scope of scholarship instruments to break the cycle of poverty and reduce social inequality. At the same time, the government bodies close to Prabowo, including law enforcement, have not had their budget cuts. These include the Ministry of Defense, the National Police, and the Attorney General’s Office. This suggests a subjective and personal interests-driven approach to budget cuts, rather than one informed by government efficiency.
At the same time, his government’s introduction of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (“Free Nutritious Meal”) program, administered by the military and police, has sparked fears of a resurgence of Dwifungsi ABRI, a policy that previously allowed the military to exert influence over civilian affairs. Free school lunches might not be free, after all – students are criticizing the policy as populist and inefficient, pointing to the importance of providing free tuition before offering free lunches. Despite the romanticization of the “New Order” by many Indonesians, the populace still remembers the authoritarian rule under Suharto, during which the military played a dominant role in governance, and they worry that Prabowo’s policies could signal a shift back toward militarization.
Why does it matter?
The protests reflect deeper concerns about democratic backsliding in Indonesia. Activists argue that Prabowo’s moves, combined with his strong ties to the political elite, could undermine civilian oversight and erode democratic norms. Meanwhile, the economic uncertainty caused by budget reallocations has further fueled dissatisfaction, particularly among students and educators who see these cuts as a direct threat to Indonesia’s future.
As tensions escalate, the government’s response to the protests will be closely watched. Heavy-handed crackdowns – like one witnessed in Papua, where state forces deployed live bullets and tear gas – could deepen public resentment. These demonstrations highlight growing anxieties about Indonesia’s political direction under Prabowo’s leadership.
