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February 18, 2025 | 09:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that President Prabowo Subianto respects the 13 demands put forward by students during the Dark Indonesia (Indonesia Gelap) demonstration. He emphasized that the government is accustomed to addressing various public concerns and grievances.
"On behalf of the government and the President, I want to say that we have always been open to public aspirations. Before assuming office, we engaged in political struggles ourselves, so we understand these dynamics," Prasetyo Hadi told reporters at the House of Representatives Complex in Senayan on Tuesday, February 18.
The Gerindra Party politician stressed that the government welcomes public input but hopes it remains constructive. He also cautioned against attempts to create division between the government and the people.
Furthermore, Prasetyo urged student protesters to exercise their rights to protest peacefully and without vandalism. "Please, brothers and sisters, do not damage public facilities," he said.
Thousands of Students Rally in Central Jakarta
On Monday, February 17, thousands of students gathered near the Arjuna Wijaya Horse Statue in Central Jakarta for the Dark Indonesia protest. They voiced a series of demands, ranging from education reforms to calls for a reshuffle of the Red and White Cabinet.
"We are highlighting various pressing issues that threaten the rights of the people, including concerns over education, land policies, and economic and political injustices," said one protester at the demonstration site.
Key Demands
The “Dark Indonesia” protest movement outlined 13 demands and aspirations pertaining to government policies and governance:
Calling for free, scientific, and democratic education and urging the government to reverse recent budget cuts in the education sector.
Demanding the revocation of problematic National Strategic Projects (PSN) that often result in land grabs, and the implementation of genuine agrarian reform.
Rejecting the proposed revisions to the Mineral and Coal Law (UU Minerba), arguing that they suppress academic freedom and silence critical voices in universities.
Calling for the abolition of the military's dual function (dwifungsi ABRI), as its involvement in civilian affairs could lead to repression and undermine democracy.
Urging the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Bill to provide clear legal protections for indigenous land and cultural rights.
Demanding the revocation of Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025, which protesters argue threatens public welfare, particularly in education and healthcare.
Calling for a comprehensive review of the government’s free nutritious meal program to ensure its effectiveness and prevent it from becoming a mere political tool.
Urging the full implementation of the work benefits budget for university lecturers to improve higher education quality and protect academic workers' rights.
Calling on President Prabowo Subianto to issue a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) on asset confiscation.
Rejecting the proposed amendments to the Military, Police, and Prosecutors’ Laws, warning that such changes could reinforce impunity among security forces and weaken oversight.
Calling for a streamlining and reform of the Red and White Cabinet, arguing that excessive bureaucracy and ineffective leadership should be addressed through a cabinet reshuffle.
Rejecting revisions to the House of Representatives' Rules of Procedure, which protesters believe could lead to unchecked legislative power.
Calling for comprehensive reforms within the Indonesian National Police to eliminate repressive practices and enhance professionalism.
Oyuk Ivani Siagian contributed to this article.
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