House Speaker Stresses Govt Action As Second "Dark Indonesia" Rally Looms

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal responded to the possibility of a second Dark Indonesia (Indonesia Gelap) rally in the near future. He asserted that President Prabowo's government is actively addressing the concerns and demands raised by the public.

"The government is currently working on all these issues," he said at the Parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. "The demands have been answered by the work of President Prabowo."

Nevertheless, the PKB politician claimed that he does not oppose the students' rally itself. He acknowledged that public criticism and differing views on the government's performance are normal in a democratic society.

However, he urged that any criticism offered should be constructive. He expressed disapproval if the public demands aimed to impeach President Prabowo.

"The criticism should not go that far. There are mechanisms," he explained, suggesting that there are proper legal and political channels to address grievances.

According to a report in Koran Tempo on March 4, 2025, students across various regions are organizing a second "Dark Indonesia" rally. In Yogyakarta, for example, students and activists gathered at a canteen in the Faculty of Philosophy at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to organize and prepare for the "Aliansi Jogja Memanggil" (Jogja I Calling) movement, which is part of the broader "Dark Indonesia" rally.

The discussions focused on demanding that Prabowo and Gibran step down from their positions. They also highlighted concerns about a corrupt, extravagant, and wasteful Prabowo cabinet, as well as the shortage of 3-kilogram LPG gas, environmental damage, and police repression.

The "Dark Indonesia" rally began in mid-February. Students in various regions, both within Indonesia and internationally, joined forces with civil society to protest and raise several key issues.

Their demands included the government providing free education, reversing budget cuts, canceling controversial national strategic projects, and reviewing the free nutritious meal program. Furthermore, the "Dark Indonesia" protesters also expressed opposition to several proposed law revisions, such as amendments to the Military Law, Police Law, and Prosecutor Law.

Shinta Maharani contributed to this article.

Editor’s Choice: Indonesian Diaspora in Australia Stage Dark Indonesia Rally

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