22-2-2025 (JAKARTA) Nationwide student protests have erupted across Indonesia in response to President Prabowo Subianto’s controversial budget cuts, with demonstrators staging a significant “Dark Indonesia” rally outside Jakarta’s presidential palace yesterday.
Hundreds of students from prominent universities, dressed in black, braved the inclement weather to voice their opposition to the recently announced 306.7 trillion rupiah reduction in government expenditure. Protestors wielded banners with pointed messages highlighting the perceived disconnect between campaign promises and current policies.
The demonstrations, which have spread to major cities including Surabaya, Bali, Medan and Yogyakarta, represent the first substantial challenge to President Subianto’s administration since his strong initial approval ratings.
“Our democracy requires constant vigilance,” declared one student leader amidst chants emphasising public sovereignty. The protests have gained momentum through social media under the “Dark Indonesia” banner, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of the sweeping cuts on vital public services.
The government’s austerity measures, announced on 22 January, have particularly affected educational institutions and public sector operations. Reports indicate that the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics has seen its budget halved, though government officials dispute these claims.
In response to mounting pressure, authorities have partially reversed course on some initiatives, reinstating funding for scholarships and government contract workers. However, President Subianto remains committed to his flagship free meals programme, which aims to reach 19.5 million beneficiaries this year and expand to nearly one-third of the population by 2029.
“The nutritious meals programme is essential – our children must not go hungry,” President Subianto stated at a
recent party gathering, defending the allocation of 24 trillion rupiah from the budget cuts to fund the initiative.
Political analysts have questioned the hasty implementation of the cuts. “The decision’s abruptness has created unintended consequences for public service workers,” noted Wasisto Raharjo Jati from the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency. He highlighted particular concerns about impacts on disaster relief volunteers and teachers.
The protests echo previous student-led movements that have successfully influenced government policy. Last August, similar demonstrations effectively blocked controversial electoral legislation ahead of the November 2024 presidential election.
