2025 Indonesian student protests, nicknamed the #IndonesiaGelap demonstrations (Indonesian: demo #IndonesiaGelap, the hashtag itself literally means 'Dark Indonesia'), are a series of ongoing student-led anti-government demonstrations throughout several cities in Indonesia, launched on 17 February 2025 by the All-Indonesian Students' Union (BEM SI),[9] together with individual students' unions.[10]
According to the central coordinator of BEM SI, Herianto, the alliance has called for protests all over the country on 17 and 18 February (cancelled at Jakarta), while they would hold the protest centrally at Jakarta on 19 (cancelled) and 20 February.[9] The Civil Society Coalition has also called for civilians to participate in demonstrations on 21 February following Friday prayers.[11][12] BEM SI projected that around 5,000 students would participate in the protests,[13] and they also threatened for further actions if the government has not yet reacted positively.[14]
The protests occurred as a response over controversial policies by Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto and his vice Gibran Rakabuming Raka, which include the free nutritious meal[id] (MBG) programme and the enactment of Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025, which led into massive budget cuts, supposedly to fund the free nutritious meal programme.[15] The nickname #IndonesiaGelap itself originates as a hashtag popular on Twitter (X). According to Beautynesia, the hashtag had been used by more than 760 thousand tweets,[16] but within 24 hours, this number has increased up to 14 million tweets.[17] While according to coordinator of BEM SI, Satria Naufal, it represents "the fears, worries, and well-being of the citizens".[18]
The student protests were preceded by a similar anti-government Adili Jokowi ('bring Jokowi to justice') protest, which occurred at Surakarta on 14 February 2025, demanding investigation of cases involving him. However, 10 minutes later, the protesters dispersed after heavy rain.[19] Alongside this, there have been instances of graffiti bearing the inscription Adili Jokowi throughout parts of Java, such as Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Malang, much of which was later removed by local authorities.[20]
Musician Iwan Fals, nonetheless, has criticised this demand and questioned what are his faults in office.[21] Founder of KedaiKOPI, Hendri Satrio, has also doubted the success of this movement, stating that it would be difficult for the Prabowo's government to arrest and bring Jokowi into justice.[22]
Meanwhile, during protests on 17 February, Prabowo attended a closed meeting together with his ministers of Red and White Cabinet at Istana Merdeka while discussing various strategic issues such as prevention of online gambling. They were also seen having lunch together.[23] At the same time, all eight fractions of DPR agreed to officially ratify the proposed revision of Mineral and Coal Law in 13th plenary session on 18 February.[24][25] One of the proposed change to the law was to allow universities and colleges across Indonesia to receive mining permits and become involved in mining. Proponents of this change from the government argued that this will lower cost of tertiary education, while academics and students criticized the change as potentially used to silence universities from participating in activism while worsening ecological damage caused by the mining industry.[26][27][28] This proposed change was later dropped when the law was passed on 17 February by the parliament the same day the protests erupted.[29]
A popular image in support of the student protests is based on the fictional Emergency Alert System (EAS) shown above but with a black instead of a blue background. This has led into the P.E.N.T.O.L. 'meatball' movement, which is itself a backronym consisting of six political demands (although the following came on 4 February, predating the protests):[30]
Polisi diberesin ('The police must be fixed')
Energi buat rakyat ('Energy for the people')
Naikkan taraf hidup rakyat ('Increase the people's well-being')
Tunaikan tukin untuk guru, ASN dan dosen ('Pay allowances for teachers, state employees, and lecturers')
Output MBG diperbaiki ('Fix the output of the free nutritious meal program')
Lawan mafia tanah dan lengserkan pejabat tolol ('Fight the land mafias and topple down stupid officials')
BEM UI presented these 5 demands during the student protests:[31]
Map of Indonesia (outside Java) showing locations where major protests occurred
Sumatra
In Banda Aceh, students from Syiah Kuala University (USK) organised a protest in front of the Aceh Regional House of Representatives (DPRA). They additionally demanded transparency of the use of a special autonomy fund. The head of NasDem Party's fraction and member of the DPRA third commission, Nurchalis, promised that the students' demands would be discussed at the legislature and carried to the national level.[36] The protesters left significant rubbish, ranging from used drinking bottles to banners. Since the protesters ignored the requests by journalists to clean the rubbish, it was cleaned by the police.[37]
In Medan, students from State Islamic University of North Sumatra protested front of the building of North Sumatra Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) on 20 February. They carried several banners, and the building was guarded by dozens of personnels. After hours, representatives from DPRD met them and guaranteed that their demands will be brought to North Sumatra DPRD and national DPR.[38] Protests resumed next day, not long after, a representative of Commission C of the legislature, Palacheta Subies Subianto met them. Several posters were attached to the fences of North Sumatra DPRD,[39] and used tires were burned during the event.[40]
In Padang, students from Andalas University (UNAND) and Padang State Polytechnics (PNP) protested front of the entrance gate into UNAND.[41] Later, hundreds of students under the All-West Sumatra Alliance of Students' Unions protested in front of the building of the West Sumatra DPRD on 18 February 2025 at 3 p.m., and also held several banners.[42][43]
In Tanjung Pinang, 62 students protested front of the Riau Islands DPRD building. They were guarded by 150 joint personnels from regional and municipal police.[44]
In Palembang, on 20 February, hundreds of students, mainly from Raden Fatah State Islamic University (UIN Raden Fatah), walked from Campus A at 10:00 a.m. and arrived in front of the building of South Sumatra DPRD at 10:30 a.m..[45] They attempted to bring used tires top of a command car, but they were obstructed by forces. After negotiations, they were allowed to do so. However, after failing to meet the speaker of South Sumatra DPRD, Andi Dinialdie, protesters brought down the tires and burned them in front of the building.[46] It was previously projected that it would be attended by 1,000 people.[47] The protesters also gave an ultimatum of 3 × 24 hours to the government to take position regarding the budget cuts. Then, deputy speaker Ilyas Panji and member of parliament M Nasir met the protesters and agreed to reject budget cuts and to fulfill their demands.[48]
In Pangkal Pinang, students from University of Bangka Belitung together with Bangka Belitung Students' Union Alliance, protested front of the building of Bangka Belitung DPRD. They arrived at 3:20 p.m.[49]
In Bandar Lampung, hundreds of students from various local universities protested in front of the Lampung provincial government complex. They carried an oratory car as well as several banners, one of them has the inscription PENDIDIKAN JADI TARUHAN, INDONESIA CEMAS, DARURAT PENDIDIKAN, ALERTA ALERTA! (Education is at stake, Indonesia is anxious, education emergency, alert alert!).[50]
In Bengkulu, students mainly from Muhammadiyah Bengkulu University gathered in Simpang Lima, Ratu Sambang District. They stated that they also held protest in Padang Kuas, Seluma Regency while stating that the student organizations there are consolidating for a bigger protest that will be held later.[51]
Map of Indonesia (inside Java) showing locations where major protests occurred
Jakarta
Students from the University of Indonesia participating in the protest
In Jakarta, the protests started on 17 February at Horse Statue, Central Jakarta, but then spread into South Medan Merdeka and West Medan Merdeka Roads, causing traffic jams at Bundaran HI. Thousands[52] of protesters shouted hidup mahasiswa ('long live students') and carried various banners and posters that represent their demands, such as #krisisiklimkrisisdemokrasi ('a climate crisis is a democratic crisis') and kenyang kagak, bego iya ('not yet full, stupid yes').[9]
Previously, student union of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI) instructed its members to wear black clothing and yellow alma maters, which is characteristic of the university.[53] A total of 1,623 joint personnels were deployed for security,[54] and traffic at West Medan Merdeka Road towards Merdeka Palace was closed, except for the Transjakarta Bus.[55]
Protesters standing in front of the police blockade
They later burned used tires and several posters, including a portrait of cabinet secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya,[56] and several of them took down their almamaters under the instruction of an orator.[57] At 6 p.m., the police appealed to the protesters to disperse, but they remained and threw objects such as water bottles, rubbish, and wooden slats on policemen.[58][59] One policeman was injured during the event.[7] Public relations coordinator for National Developmental University "Veteran" of Jakarta[id], Bagas Wisnu, read out 13 demands to the government, ranging from educational to political issues (see above).[33] They finally dispersed on 8 p.m. and janitors began to clean rubbish at the site.[60] Disabled influencer Badru also attended the protests and prayed for the protesters.[61]
The plans for a demonstration next day were cancelled by BEM SI, in preparation for peak demonstrations on 20 February at Istana Negara, will be hold simultaneously with the inauguration of 481 regional heads.[62][63] A day later, BEM SI organised again a protest at Arjuna Wiwaha Horse Statue, and guarded by 775 joint personnels,[64] although its coordinator Herianto said that they would organise a field technical this date in order to discuss its preparation.[65]
However, the head of public relations at Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police, Ade Ary Syam, has appealed to the public to maintain order during the inauguration of regional heads by not organising protests at Istana Negara this time.[66] The students' union of Udayana University also decided not to participate in this protest.[67] The protests would be held at the location at 2:00 p.m. (protesters would gather at 1:00 p.m.), and Herianto projected that it would be attended by 3,000 students.[68]
Half section of the West Medan Merdeka Road has been closed starting from 11:34 a.m., and the police used forklifts to install concrete blockades.[69] The Central Jakarta police has deployed 588 joint personnels from Horse Statue towards front of Istana Negara,[70] and barbed wires were installed at the location.[71] This time, protesters from 4 students' unions[35] arrived at 2:37 p.m. at Horse Statue, seen wearing their almamaters. They also carried various banners and pamphlets, with inscriptions such as Efisienshit and 1 Presiden Berbagai Insiden ('One President Full of Incidents'). They started with giving speeches front of the blockades.[72] They were also seen raising up fists on their left arms.[73] Nada, a 44-year old woman, distributed free foods and drinks for protesters at the location.[74]
The protesters began to burn used tires near the concrete blockades at 2:45 p.m..[71] Then, they tore down the blockades using ropes on the instruction by the orator, while the local police requested them to not do so.[75] After their efforts were successful, they sang national anthem "Indonesia Raya" and "Indonesia Pusaka".[76] During the event, the protesters accused a man for pickpocketing, and later submitted him to nearby police post.[77]
Raden Roro Neno gave a speech to protesters, encouraging them not to be trampled by the oligarchy. She also gave support for them and prayed for their success and health.[78] A female student read poem "Apa Guna" by Widji Thukul.[79] One foreign national was arrested by plainclothes (suspected to be intelligence officers) while taking images during the protests.[80] He later admitted that he was not part of any foreign media outlet.[81]
The protesters finally dispersed on 6:25 p.m. after Minister of the State SecretariatPrasetyo Hadi, together with his deputy Juri Ardiantoro met them and agreed to their demands. Prasetyo also requested the protesters to learn their demands within 48 hours before discussing it with student representatives.[82] He was seen inviting the protesters to sing "Darah Juang" together,[83] and hugged the protesters.[84] Later, Prasetyo claimed that his struggles in the government, were in line with the students' demands.[85]
On 21 February, hundreds of civilian elements, including students without their almamaters, gathered at Ismail Marzuki Park[86] before protesting at Horse Statue.[87][88] They carried various banners and posters, one of them featured Prabowo's old post on Twitter from 2016.[89] The protesters also played the song "Bayar Bayar Bayar" by Sukatani[90] and "The Internationale" translated into Indonesian by Ki Hajar Dewantara.[91] Then, they threw away water bottles and firecrackers to policemen,[92] and damaged barbed wires.[93] Badru returned to the protests and read out all five principles of Pancasila for the protesters.[94] One protester was seen destroying a CCTV at 5:55 p.m..[95] There were incidents of throwing Molotov cocktails, firecrackers, and fireworks, but also the burning of water barriers[96] on the Transjakarta busway, followed by alerta ('alert') shouts.[97] They also burned rubbish at the location,[98] and rampaged an intruder, allegedly an intelligence officer, in the middle of the protests.[99] The crowds finally dispersed at 8:30 p.m. and janitors began to clean rubbish and extinguish fires.[100]
Around 2,460 joint personnels from regional police, military, and the regional government, were deployed for security during the protests.[101] Haus distributed 1,500 cups of free drinks for protesters through 15 stands.[102] The fan club of South Korean boy band NCT, NCTzen, deployed an ambulance under the 'NCTzen Humanity x Bareng Warga' banner and distributed free foods for the protesters.[103] It was projected that 2,500 people would attend the protests.[104]
Surabaya
In Surabaya, the protests occurred before the building of the East Java Regional House of Representatives. The student protesters came from various local universities and numbered up to thousands.[105] They burned a bier with inscription Indonesia Gelap after their attempts to meet the speaker of DPRD failed. Then, they attempted to cross the wire fence, and the police fired a water cannon at them. The protesters escaped, and several threw objects, such as water bottles, at policemen.[106][107] Around 620 personnels were deployed for security during the protests. Head of the students' union of the Airlangga University, Aulia Thoriq Akbar, stated that five students have been reportedly arrested by the police.[5] Two of them, each came from UNESA and UINSA (Sunan Ampel State Islamic University Surabaya), while head of operations Wibowo denied it.[108] Novan Ziyan Ramadhan from the State University of Surabaya (UNESA) was injured after being stepped on and beaten up by policemen,[3] as a result, the involved member has been questioned by the professional and security sector.[109]
Protests resumed in Surabaya on 21 February, and it was attended by both students and civilians. Two members of East Java DPRD from Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Fuad Bernardi and Yordan Batara Goa, were pettled with water bottles, after they met the protesters while in recess.[8] They later burned used tires, reading a poem titled 'Taek', and feature a theatrical at the site.[110]
Other cities in Java
In Bandung, the students protested front of the building of West Java DPRD.[111] One participant, Ainul Mardhyah, from National Students' Front, expressed that her affirmation scholarship was being cut 10%. A daughter of migrant workers in Malaysia, she also concerned about the protection of Indonesian migrant workers.[112] Protests later resumed on 21 February, with shouts of revolusi 'revolution' and burning of used tires. They also attempted to penetrate barbed wires.[113]
In Tasikmalaya, on 19 February, more than 100 student protesters attempted to enter the building of Tasikmalaya DPRD to voice their aspirations. However, security forces carried out the entrance gate. During heavy rains, jostlings occured until the gate collapsed, then, a water cannon started to fire on protesters. They began to throw away various hard objects into police cars, causing the glass on the security post to shatter. Regional police chief Moh. Faruk Rozi invited them into dialogue, and finally agreed to enter the building.[114] Three policemen and one student were injured during the event.[4]
In Indramayu, students under the alliance of students' unions of Indramayu protested at the building of Indramayu DPRD. They attempted to smash the entrance doors of the building, causing jostlings with policemen. They also burned used tires and threw away objects to officers, due to being annoyed that the speaker of Indramayu DPRD could not meet them. Few moments later, they were able to meet the speaker and representatives of DPRD members.[115]
In Cirebon, protests occured front of the building of Cirebon DPRD. They were later able to enter the building, after penetrating barbed wires and police guards. Then, they challenged the deputy speaker of Cirebon DPRD, Fitrah Malik, and head of Commission I, Agung Supirno, to debate with the protesters. The protesters threatened them to resign from their positions, if unable to answer their questions.[116]
In Purwokerto, students under Community Union in Motion (Semarak) organised a long march from Prof. KH. Saifuddin Zuhri State Islamic University towards the Banyumas Regent Office. They carried several banners, among them have inscriptions such as Sebuah Kekecewaan Republik Indonesia 1 Presiden Berbagai Insiden ('A Disappointment of the Republic of Indonesia, One President Full of Incidents') and Bikin Kebijakan Buat Oligarki Terus Ndasmu ('Continue to Create Policies for the Oligarchy, Your Head!'). They also repeatedly chanted "Ganyang Fufufafa" ('Crush Fufufafa').[117]
In Semarang, students under the Alliance of Students' Unions of Greater Semarang organised a protest front of the Semarang City Hall on 18 February. Thousands of students arrived at 2:30 p.m.,[118] and organised a long march from Pemuda Road into front of the building of Central Java DPRD. They also carried banners critical of the government,[119] and chanted "Ganyang Fufufafa".[120] After attempts to meet the DPRD members failed, and a representative came instead, the protesters mocked to enter again into the building, and threw away cow dung on the gate as a sense of their annoyance.[121] Field coordinator, Evan Surya from Diponegoro University, rated the initial performance of Prabowo's government −100 from 100.[122] Previously, it was planned at 9:00 a.m. and projected to be attended by 1,600 people.[123][42]
In Yogyakarta, the Jogja Is Calling Alliance has called students and civilians to participate in the protests. Themed #BersamaRakyat ('Together with the People'), the long march started at Abu Bakar Ali parking lot (scheduled initially at 10:00 a.m.). It arrived at the Special Region of Yogyakarta DPRD building at 12:15 p.m. Not long after, they burned used tires, threw red liquid on the building's gate and stuck a poster with the inscription Pemerintah Tolol ('The Government Is Stupid').[124] Thousands of protesters continued the long march towards Gedung Agung and Point Zero of Yogyakarta at 12:44 p.m..[125] They additionally demanded for the resignation of president Prabowo and his vice Gibran.[126] It was projected that 1,000 people would participate in the protests.[127] At the same time, several banners critical of the government were installed at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences building at Gadjah Mada University (UGM).[128]
In Kudus, around 70 students under Muslim Students' Association (HMI), from Kudus, Rembang and Jepara, organised a protest front of the building of Kudus DPRD. They also carried banners and other attributes.[129]
In Surakarta, students started walking backward[130] from Makutho Monument at 2:00 p.m., and arrived front of the Surakarta DPRD building at Adi Sucipto Road at 3:40 p.m.. The protesters also carried various anti-government banners and burned used tires. Their action was guarded by hundreds of joint personnel from the military, police, and the Department of Transportation.[131] Coordinator Syaiful interpreted that a backward walk represents that "the nation is experiencing a setback".[130] They threatened if their 6 demands were not realised in 3 days, they would return with a larger number of protesters.[132]
In Kediri, around 60 students from Brawijaya University organised a sit-in front of the Kediri DPRD building. They arrived using motorcycles at 2:15 p.m. and carried several banners and posters rejecting the streamlining policy under the Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025. After an hour, they met Deputy Speaker Sudjono Teguh Widjaja to discuss with the protesters.[133]
In Lamongan, students under Joko Tingkir Lamongan Students' Union organised protests at Lamongan regional government and Lamongan DPRD buildings. They were seen carrying flags and banners with inscriptions Indonesia Gelap ('Dark Indonesia') and Lamongan Memanggil ('Lamongan Is Calling').[134]
In Malang, protests were held on 18 February at the Monument Roundabout, precisely in front of the building of Malang DPRD. Thousands of people came at 12 p.m. and carried various banners and posters featuring demands, with inscriptions such as Efisiensi untuk Oligarki X, Efisiensi untuk Rakyat ✓ 'No to Efficiency for the Oligarchy, Yes to Efficiency for the People', and 100 Hari Keadilan Dibunuh 'Justice Is Killed in 100 Days'. Presidential portraits of Prabowo and Gibran were defaced with the text efisienshit on their eyes and a cross on their mouths. An hour later, the portraits, alongside used tires, were burned in front of the entrance gate towards DPRD.[135] After successfully meeting the speaker of DPRD, Amithya Ratnanggani Siraduhita, as well as several fraction leaders, the protesters finally dispersed at 4 p.m. during heavy rains.[136]
In Denpasar, students under Bali Is Not Silent Alliance arrived at the building of Bali Regional House of Representatives on 11:30 a.m., and carried a banner with inscription Tut Wuri Efisiensi, a play on Indonesian education motto Tut Wuri Handayani. Ten minutes later, they were invited into the building's wantilan (pavilion) by acting secretary I Gusti Ngurah Wiryanata to voice their demands.[138]
In Kupang, students gathered in front off East Nusa Tenggara governor office, also known as Sasando Building to protest the budget cuts for education.[139]
Meanwhile, student union of Mataram University (BEM UNRAM) in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, stated that they will participate in protest on 20 February with president of the university's student union already departed to Jakarta to coordinate the protest with the one led by BEM SI.[140] They carried a bier as a form of protest.[141]
Kalimantan
In Pontianak, dozens of students arrived at West Kalimantan DPRD for protesting.[142]
In Palangka Raya, students from various local universities, mainly University of Palangka Raya (UPR), Muhammadiyah Palangka Raya University, State Islamic Institute of Palangka Raya, and State Hindu Institute of Palangka Raya, protested at the building of Central Kalimantan DPRD. They danced with Prabowo's campaign song Oke Gas 2 by Richard Jersey, as a form of political satire, while also burning used tires. Some protesters also shouted out Adili Jokowi ('Bring Jokowi into Justice').[143] The students threatened the speaker of the Central Kalimantan province's parliament (DPRD) a second wave of protest in Monday with bigger mass if their demands are not met.[144]
In Banjarmasin, hundreds of students, as well as the civil society, protested in front of the building of South Kalimantan DPRD. They criticised high public approval rates of the government by various survey results, and called them not in accordance with the realities.[145]
In Balikpapan, students under the Students' Alliance of the Oil City started a long march from four-way intersection at Balikpapan Plaza towards Balikpapan DPRD. After arriving at the building, it was marked by jostlings between protesters and policemen at the entrance door.[146] They additionally criticised policies by the city's local government.[147]
Rocky Gerung
In Samarinda, thousands of students protested in front of the East Kalimantan DPRD building. Political commentator Rocky Gerung gave a speech to motivate the protesters.[148] The protesters clashed with the local police after attempting to enter the building, and they fired a water cannon on the protesters. As a result, the protesters were treated back to Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque.[149][150]
Sulawesi
Makassar
In Makassar, all of the following protests share very similar patterns, including burning used tires and blocking roads with a truck, effectively causing long traffic jams and creating tensions between protesters and drivers.[151]
Students protested at Perintis Kemerdekaan Road, effectively blocking the Trans-Sulawesi Road. They also burned used tires and held back a truck as a stage for protesters.[152] A day later, students under AMPERA conducted protests at AP Pettarani Road, Rappocini. They also burned used tires and blocked the road with a container truck.[153] Next day, students under Student Activists' Movement (GAM) also blocked the same road (AP Pettarani Road) with a truck and burned used tires.[154] Another protest occurred at Sultan Alauddin Road, attended by students from Alauddin Islamic State University and carried various banners and pamphlets with critical messages. They also burned used tires.[155]
Next day, Makassar Students' Alliance organised a protest under a flyover and then moved towards South Sulawesi DPRD building at Urip Sumoharjo Road. They also held two trucks as stages for the protests.[156] Later, the protesters burned used tires, sang together "Buruh Tani" by Marjinal, and pulling the barbed wires.[157] The protesters began to disperse at 7:05 p.m., and police chief of Makassar, Arya Perdana, claimed that their aspirations have arrived into South Sulawesi DPRD.[158] However, as of 7:40 p.m., students from the State University of Makassar (UNM) and a group of drivers, were seen fighting each other using stones and bows.[159] As a result, 4 people, accused of being provocateurs, were arrested by the local police while hiding within the campus of UNM.[6]
Other cities in Sulawesi
In Kendari, students from Haluoleo University protested front of the building of Southeast Sulawesi DPRD, and 100 joint personnels were deployed to guard the protests. They rejected budget cuts in various sectors.[160]
In Manado, the student protesters under North Sulawesi Movement Alliance organised a sit-in. They blocked the 17 Agustus Road, precisely front of Samsat Office, effectively causing traffic jams. Hundreds of personnels weraeployed by local police at the North Sulawesi Governor's Office, then the protesters attempted to break the entrance gate, tearing apart several pieces of iron. They also burned a bier and used tires.[161] After waiting for three hours, they were finally permitted to enter the governor's office by Head of National and Political Unity Body of North Sulawesi, Johny Suak.[162]
In Palu, hundreds of students gathered in front of the Central Sulawesi DPRD, mainly from Tadulako University. The protest almost turned violent with students trying to get through the building gate.[163] One student was injured in the head as the result of the commotion.[164]
In Mamuju, West Sulawesi, protests also occured in Simpang Lima road held by dozens of students who demanded the free nutritious meal program to be evaluated.[165]
Maluku Islands
In Ambon, students from the State Islamic Institute of Ambon (IAIN Ambon), with their almamaters, protested in front of the Maluku DPRD building.[166] The students rejected the free meal program and demanded the Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025 repealed while stating what Indonesia needs is free education.[167][168]
Papua
In Wamena, thousands of students held a demonstration as a form of rejection of the government's free nutritious meal (MBG) program on Monday, 17 February 2025. The students rejected the program, stating that what they need is instead free education and improvement on facilities. It is estimated that around 3,500 students participated, consisting of middle school, high school and university students. Thousands of students came from Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency and Yahukimo Regency, based on the police information.[169] A riot occurred at around 09.00 WIT, when the crowd moved towards the Menara Salib located in front of the Jayawijaya Regent's office and took place on Hom-Hom Road, several hundred meters from the Jayawijaya regent's office.[170]
Reactions
Protesters
Central coordinator of BEM SI, Herianto, claimed that Indonesia "is being led by twin suns", and gave an example regarding ban on sale of 3kg LPG gas cylinders by small informal retail traders[171], a policy that was enforced without knowledge of the president Prabowo Subianto and then subsequently repealed.[172] He also claimed that students were disappointed after Prabowo shouted "Long live Jokowi!" during the 17th anniversary of Gerindra Party at Sentul International Convention Center. According to him, students suggested that the number of ministries under Prabowo's cabinet to be trimmed.[173] A lecturer of the Faculty of Economy and Business at the University of Indonesia (UI), Rizki Nauli Siregar posted the image above but with black background, while also supporting students in her class to participate in the protests.[174]
A lecturer of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Subarsono, stated that a political demonstration is a sign of living democracy.[175] Another lecturer of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at UGM, Muchtar Habibi, claimed that the protests could be strengthened by widening its participation.[176] Professor at Airlangga University, Henri Subiakto viewed the protests not just as a spontaneous movement, but also as a form of accumulation of their disappointment of political condition in Indonesia.[177] He later agreed with Mahfud MD's statement that 'Indonesia is still dark'.[178] Academic and historian Andi Achdian viewed them as a shock for Prabowo's government.[179]
Rocky Gerung viewed that the protests were not just an expression of pessimism, but also as a reflection of the actual condition.[180] The fan club of South Korean boy band NCT, NCTzen, announced their support for the protesters, and they would provide free foods, drinks, and medical needs through crowdfunding (see #Jakarta).[181] Fan club of another South Korean boy band Super Junior also similarly proposed such.[182]
Government
Head of the Presidential Communication Office, Hasan Nasbi[id], confirmed amidst the protests that funds allocated to the colleges, Kartu Indonesia Pintar[id] for college, and scholarships will not be cut.[183] Minister of the State Secretariat, Prasetyo Hadi, responded that Indonesia "is not really dark" as the slogan suggests, and called the students to be optimistic.[184] Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Fauzan called the student protesters to increase their intellectual abilities.[185] The spokesman for the Presidential Communication Office, Adita Erawati, confirmed that a few demands presented by the protesters have been answered by the government, such as tuition fees not being increased nor scholarships being discontinued. She also allowed people to organise protests with orderly.[186] Fellow spokesman Ujang Komarudin responded that Indonesia is still 'bright', not 'dark' as the slogan suggests. He also confirmed that there would be no cuts to scholarships, tuition fees would be not raised, and free health check would continue.[187]
The speaker of People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Ahmad Muzani, judged the public reaction during the protests as excessive and contraproductive.[188] Deputy speaker of MPR, Eddy Soeparno called the students to be optimistic and claimed that pessimism only brings into a stalemate.[189] The deputy speaker of House of Representatives (DPR), Adies Kadir, regarded the demonstrations as a form of creativity by the students to voice their aspiration.[190]Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), responded to the #IndonesiaGelap hashtag, which was used by student demonstrators protesting various government policies. He argued that Indonesia has been progressing well, despite certain shortcomings, which he noted are not unique to the country but are also experienced by other nations, including the United States. Luhut rejected the notion that Indonesia is in a dire state and that the government is progressing well. He stated that the protesters are 'dark', and not Indonesia.[191]
Anticipating the coordinated nationwide protests on 20 February which coincides with inauguration of regional heads elected from 2024 Indonesian local elections, Indonesian National Police (Polri) urged students to not stage any protests in the vicinity of the state palace or disrupt the inauguration ceremony.[192][193][194]
Censorship
The government reaction was also marred with censorship that mainly targets journalist and creative industry workers. It was widely reported that Indonesian new wave duo Sukatani who wrote a song criticising the police forces was being supressed, the duo would later being pressured into making an apology video later. American music critic Anthony Fantano condemned the repression, describes the situation as being not good.[195][196] On X, there are a surfaced video showing a foreign citizen journalist being apprehended by police for "not having permit".[197]
Others
There were calls to translate the hashtag into various foreign languages, such as English, French, Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin, as well as few regional languages such as Javanese.[182] Actor and singer Angga Yunanda posted a tweet in support of the protests.[198] Through hashtag #ArtistBersuara ('Artists Speak Up'), digital artists on Twitter (X) also gave support for the protesters.[199] CEO of Malaka Project, Ferry Irwandi, viewed the protests as a 'concern and love in order to make Indonesia better'.[200]
Senior activist Faizal Assegaf through his Twitter account, gave full support for the protesters in 'the fight against injustice, arrogance, authoritarianism, and intimidation', and shouted Ganyang Jokowi ('Crush Jokowi').[201] He also countered Luhut's statement and called him not to intimidate the protesters.[202] He later claimed that Prabowo's presidency could become 'meaningless' without Titiek Suharto, and this statement was criticised by the Love Prabowo Movement.[203] Nusantara Youth Forum (FPN) called for his arrest at the headquarters of Polda Metro Jaya and Polri on 20 February.[204]
The head of Love Prabowo Movement (GCP), Kurniawan stated that the student protests are a form of their aspiration, while also warning them not to be infiltrated by certain groups.[205] Later, he alleged that the protests were an attempt to influence public opinion and to weaken Prabowo and the state by a handful of people. He also criticised that Faizal's statements could cause instability within the country. Dony Endrassanto viewed that Faizal's statements point to a coup d'État attempt and treason against the government.[203]
Chairman of the Executive Council of Nahdlatul Ulama, Yahya Cholil Staquf, questioned what are the grounds to organise the protests.[206] Vice secretary-general of Golkar Party, Sosialisman Hidayat Hasibuan, alleged that the protests are a form of political pressure on efforts by the government to arrest Hasto Kristiyanto[id], secretary-general of PDI-P.[207] The head of media and opinion gathering at Golkar Party, Nurul Arifin, while suggesting that the protests could become a 'warning alert' for the government, she also reminded that ways to convey aspirations should be done constructively, not anarchistically.[208][209]Mahfud MD claimed that there are so many 'bright' policies by the government, and need to be respected.[210]
Chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anindya Bakrie viewed the protests as normal in a democratic country.[211] Former secretary of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, Said Didu[id], through his Twitter account, was confused why the #IndonesiaGelap protests focused on toppling down Prabowo, not to bring Jokowi to justice, while according to himself, the condition was caused by Jokowi's faults.[212] Policy observer Gigin Praginanto, through his Twitter account, satirised that the protests' theme should be better changed from Indonesia Gelap to Indonesia Gelap Banget Nget Nget ('Indonesia Is Very, Very, Very Dark').[213]
Impacts
The student protests were featured as a front cover for the 18 February 2025 online edition of Lentera newspaper.[214] As of 18 February, the rupiah began to weaken by 0.38% amidst the protests,[215] however, the currency began to strengthen by 0.10% on 21 February.[216] In response to the protests, there are currently attempts to counter #IndonesiaGelap on various social media platforms through the hashtag #IndonesiaCerah ('#BrightIndonesia'), originating from an Instagram account benpro.tv.[217]
According to a senior researcher at Citra Institute, Efriza, predicted that then-Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Satryo Brodjonegoro could be replaced in a reshuffle due to the current student-led protests.[218] This reshuffle was later confirmed and took effect on 19 February, with Brodjonegoro sacked from the position.[219][220]Rocky Gerung, however, demanded to the government to give the explanation about his sacking, and claimed that the students' movement has been prepared months involving various experts.[221]
See also
Student protests in Indonesia
May 1998 riots of Indonesia – Period of civil unrest, anti-government protests, and racial violence in Indonesia
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