Indonesia Remains Conducive, ‘Dark Indonesia’ Demonstration Only Makes Things Worse
By: David Kiva Prambudi
The situation in Indonesia is currently still in a very conducive condition. Various policies implemented by the current government show that this country is committed to maintaining economic and social stability that benefits the entire community.
The demonstration titled Dark Indonesia has proven to trigger chaos in various regions of Indonesia. In East Java, for example, the demonstration ended in chaos when a number of demonstrators tried to break into the DPRD Building and burned the coffins and banners they were carrying, forcing security forces to take firm action. Meanwhile in Jakarta, demonstrators threw plastic bottles, garbage, and wooden planks at officers.
In Makassar, South Sulawesi, the demonstration increasingly disrupted order by blocking the Trans-Sulawesi route, which caused long traffic jams. As a result, the people they claimed to represent had to bear the impact with the disruption of daily activities.
Reflecting on this situation, students must understand and examine that the policies implemented are actually aimed at improving the welfare of the people, not harming them.
One of the policies currently being rolled out is budget efficiency carried out by the government, which is currently showing the right path. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized his optimism regarding this policy, by appreciating the ministers who have been willing to adjust the ministry’s budget to achieve significant efficiency, amounting to IDR 306 trillion.
The President believes that this policy is not only efficient in budget use, but will also have a positive impact on the Indonesian people, especially in improving the quality of optimal public services.
This budget efficiency policy basically has a good long-term goal for the welfare of the people. Global economic uncertainty cannot be a reason to delay efficiency policies that will provide stability for the Indonesian economy.
This budget efficiency is also part of the government’s efforts to respond to the major challenges faced by Indonesia, such as global economic tensions and climate change that affect key sectors.
According to President Prabowo, through this policy, the country can continue to run development programs that support improving welfare without sacrificing the basic needs of the community. Therefore, this policy must be understood wisely, without the need to respond to any form of provocation that only has the potential to create social uncertainty.
However, the emergence of disturbing issues, such as speculation about the termination of employment (PHK) of honorary workers in the ministry and agency environment, should not need to add to the unrest.
Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati, in a press conference on February 14, 2025, emphasized that the issue of layoffs of honorary workers was not true. The budget reconstruction currently being carried out by the government actually aims to ensure that budget efficiency does not have an impact on the reduction of honorary workers who have so far made a major contribution to public services.
This step is also to ensure that all public service sectors continue to run well and in accordance with the President’s direction through Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025. The Minister of Finance’s emphasis on the importance of further research related to this budget efficiency policy is a step that shows the government’s seriousness in managing state finances without causing discomfort for honorary workers.
The government understands that the biggest challenge in implementing a major policy like this is ensuring that all affected parties clearly understand its objectives and the implementation process. Therefore, more intensive education and socialization need to be carried out so that the public does not get caught up in baseless issues that could disrupt social peace.
On the other hand, Indonesia’s economic stability remains maintained even though inflation is a major concern. Controlled inflation in the range of 1.5% to 3.5% according to Ramadhan Wafid Mustafa, First Expert Statistician at the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), does not have a significant effect on people’s purchasing power.
In fact, inflation that is maintained within this range indicates a healthy economy. Good inflation control will maintain the stability of prices of goods and services, which in turn will support people’s purchasing power.
In this context, the existence of provocation from a handful of parties who manipulate this condition is detrimental. When the situation is stable and conducive, actions that encourage mass action or riots can actually disrupt the ongoing development process.
