Optimism in Building the Nation, Calls for Dark Indonesia Only Hinder Progress
JAKARTA – Amid the strengthening of the slogan “Dark Indonesia” echoed by several elements of society in various demonstrations, several national figures have voiced calls for optimism to continue building the nation. They consider that the narrative is subjective and counterproductive to the collective spirit towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
President Prabowo Subianto openly responded to the narrative by saying that the view that Indonesia is in a dark condition is not based on the reality on the ground.
“If they feel dark, that’s their right, but when I wake up in the morning, I see a bright Indonesia,” said President Prabowo Subianto.
The President also shared his experience meeting directly with farmers in various regions who expressed their satisfaction with the current situation.
“Production has increased drastically, their yields have increased. The projection of world economic institutions is that Indonesia will become a major economic power, surpassing Japan and England in the next few decades,” he said.
A note of optimism was also conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan. He stated that Indonesia is not in the dark as claimed by some parties.
“Indonesia today and tomorrow will be bright like the sun at noon,” he said.
A similar attitude came from the Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, that the Dark Indonesia narrative reflects personal perception rather than objective facts.
“If someone says Indonesia is dark, you are the dark one, not Indonesia,” he said loudly.
The General Chair of Prabo Center 08, Abed Nego Panjaitan, said the Dark Indonesia issue emerged along with demonstrations by students and activists who questioned a number of government policies, including the revision of the law and the flagship Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
“MBG has opened 2.4 million jobs and boosted the local economy. This is a collaborative program, not a cronyism project. The Dark Indonesia issue has emerged since February 2025,” he said.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani in a press conference for the May 2025 State Budget said that the Indonesian economy remains resilient amidst global pressure. With economic growth in the first quarter of 4.87 percent, Indonesia remains on a positive track even though it needs to pursue a target of 5.3 percent by the end of the year.
“Our foundation is much stronger than in previous times of crisis,” he said.
Pessimistic narratives such as Dark Indonesia are considered to only obscure achievements and hinder national collaboration. The nation’s leaders invite the public to remain critical, but constructive, with a spirit of optimism and real work for a better future.
