The hashtag #IndonesiaGelap (Dark Indonesia) has been a trending topic on social media since Monday, February 17, 2025. It quickly reached the top spot on X (formerly Twitter), accumulating over 81,900 tweets.
This viral movement is a form of protest against President Prabowo Subianto’s and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s administration. The hashtag symbolizes public dissatisfaction with government policies, particularly regarding budget efficiency, mining regulations, and governance transparency.
According to the Instagram account @bem_si, #IndonesiaGelap is more than just a hashtag; it is a call to action. It represents the resistance of students and social activists against policies that they believe are increasingly oppressive.
The All Indonesia BEM Alliance stated:
“Together with this letter, we would like to call for a tightening of ranks and convey to the All Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM SI) regarding the situation of our nation today, which is getting darker and darker. Policies that day by day are increasingly gripping and tormenting the people.”
On February 17, 2025, students from multiple universities organized protests across the country under the banner of “Dark Indonesia.” These demonstrations aimed to shed light on government policies that students claim are not in the best interest of the people.
Key Demands from Protesters:
- Revoke budget cuts that negatively impact public services.
- Abolish the Minerba Bill, which grants mining concessions to universities.
- Distribute performance allowances for teachers and lecturers.
- Evaluate the Free Nutritious Meal Program to ensure it benefits the people fairly.
- Strengthen law enforcement and push for the ratification of the Asset Forfeiture Law.
Dark Indonesia Peak Protest on February 20, 2025
The Student Executive Board (BEM SI) has announced that the peak of the #IndonesiaGelap protest will take place on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in front of the State Palace in Jakarta. This demonstration coincides with the inauguration of 481 regional heads at the Jakarta Presidential Palace.
Herianto, the coordinator of BEM SI, stated:
“Most likely in front of the State Palace.”
Additionally, the government has scheduled an orientation program for regional heads from February 21-28, 2025, at the Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java. Protesters hope their demands will be addressed before the inauguration ceremony.
Government Response
The government has acknowledged the protests but maintains that its policies have been carefully considered. However, as of now, there have been no concrete actions taken to directly address the demands of the protesters.
1. What is #IndonesiaGelap?
#IndonesiaGelap is a viral hashtag used by students and activists to protest against government policies they believe harm the public.
2. Why is #IndonesiaGelap trending?
The hashtag gained traction following mass demonstrations organized by student groups and civil society coalitions.
3. What are the main demands of the protesters?
Protesters are calling for a cabinet evaluation, police reform, rejection of the revised TNI/Polri Law, and a reassessment of free education policies.
4. How has the government responded to the protests?
The government has defended its policies but has not yet announced any concrete steps to address the protesters’ concerns.
Stay updated as the situation develops and follow #IndonesiaGelap for real-time updates on social media.
