‘Dark Indonesia’ Narrative Does Not Match the Reality of Community Life

JAKARTA – The narrative carried in the mass action titled ‘Dark Indonesia’ is contrary to the real conditions in the community.

Facts on the ground show that social and economic life remains stable.

Shopping centers are still crowded with visitors, music concerts are still held with high enthusiasm, and people’s purchasing power is maintained.

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the Indonesian economy remains stable amidst global uncertainty.

National inflation, which is currently at the lowest level in the world, is a strong indicator of this stability.

In addition, economic growth remains above the global average, indicating Indonesia’s solid economic fundamentals.

“I am very happy, our economy is under control. Our inflation is one of the lowest in the world right now,” said Prabowo.

“Our growth is also expected to remain above the world average. Almost all sectors are running under control, even though world geopolitical developments are full of uncertainty,” he added.

Paramadina University economist Wijayanto Samirin assessed that government programs to maintain economic stability, such as the Ramadan stimulus, shopping discount programs, and airline ticket price discounts, have the potential to increase people’s purchasing power.

He also hopes that these policies will ideally be implemented throughout the year, not just in certain periods.

“If implemented properly, these programs will boost purchasing power and stimulate economic growth in the first quarter of 2025,” said Wijayanto.

Meanwhile, Member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Arisal Aziz, appreciated the government’s budget efficiency policy.

According to him, this step reflects a commitment to the interests of the people by ensuring more effective use of the budget.

“The efficiency steps taken by President Prabowo reflect a commitment to the interests of the people,” he said.

“By reducing less productive budgets and diverting them to sectors that need them more, it is hoped that public welfare will increase,” said Arisal.

In the midst of an economic situation that remains under control, calls for mass action that build the narrative of ‘Dark Indonesia’ are actually contrary to the reality on the ground.

The public is asked to be more vigilant against provocations that can create fear and worsen national stability. (*)