In Indonesia, the government’s plan to allocate $28 billion annually for a free meals initiative for schoolchildren has sparked considerable opposition from students concerned about impending budget cuts in higher education. This week, large groups of students demonstrated in various cities, expressing their disapproval of what they term “Indonesia Gelap” or “Dark Indonesia.” These protests represent the first significant pushback against the policies of President Prabowo Subianto, who has been in office for four months.
The opposition from students centers on Prabowo’s intention to reduce government expenditures, including spending on education, to finance his key policies, primarily the free meals program. Once fully operational, the program aims to serve meals to 82 million individuals daily. Cleorisa Cheguevara Riswan, a 20-year-old student at the National University, participated in the Jakarta protests, arguing that the free meals initiative is ineffective because it compromises education. She emphasized the need for education and healthcare to secure employment.
These sentiments reflect a broader discontent among Indonesia’s youth regarding the nation’s economic trajectory. The middle class has been shrinking over the past six years, as the country struggles to create sufficient formal sector employment. According to recent data, the unemployment rate among Indonesians aged 15-24 was 17.3% in August, significantly higher than the national rate of 4.9%. The employment challenges have been exacerbated for university graduates and those with vocational diplomas, in a demographic where over 44 million are aged between 15 and 24, representing about 16% of the population.
To support the meals program and other policies, last month Prabowo ordered significant cuts to ministry budgets, seeking to save Rp306.7 trillion ($19 billion). This has led to the cancellation of infrastructure projects, scholarships, and even the reduction of air conditioner use in government buildings. Notably, the higher education, science, and technology ministry’s budget was reduced by a quarter to Rp42.3 trillion, as reported by the minister in parliament. Additionally, the budget for primary and secondary education was also lowered.
Young Indonesians, many of whom supported Prabowo in an election that highlighted his approachable persona, are growing disillusioned. The protests have been labeled “Dark Indonesia,” in contrast to the official “Golden Indonesia” vision aimed at becoming a developed nation by 2045. The hashtag “KaburAjaDulu,” translating to “just flee first,” has gained traction on social media, encouraging a move abroad for better prospects.
Maria Monica Wihardja, a visiting fellow at Singapore’s Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute and former World Bank economist, noted that young people are dissatisfied with Prabowo’s policies and the progress in job creation, governance, and social justice during his first 100 days in office.
Recently, Indonesia’s central bank revised its 2025 growth forecast downward, citing a weaker economic outlook and sluggish domestic consumption. Despite these challenges, Prabowo remains committed to increasing the annual growth rate to 8%, up from the current 5%.
While the free meals program is touted by Prabowo as a solution to child malnutrition, an improvement in educational outcomes, and a boost to local economies, critics are concerned about how it will be financed given already stretched resources.
Wihardja suggested that the government could consider reallocating some funds from the meals program to education to better prepare students for the workforce. In response to the national concern about limited opportunities at home, some government officials have recognized the “fleeing” trend while questioning the patriotism of young Indonesians advocating for emigration.
This week, students demonstrated with signs reading “RIP education” and “education emergency in Indonesia,” urging Prabowo to reconsider the budget cuts and the free meals initiative. In the Papua province, local media reported that students demanded free education and improved school facilities instead of free meals.
Though Prabowo has not publicly addressed the protests, government officials have stated that they are reviewing the students’ demands. Meanwhile, many young Indonesians have taken to social media to share their frustrations, using the “just flee first” hashtag to exchange information about scholarships and job opportunities abroad. Muhammad Syabil Diandra, a 21-year-old protester in Jakarta, described the hashtag as stemming from feelings of disappointment, fear, and uncertainty regarding future job prospects.
