Four months into his presidency, Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto faces his first significant challenge as nationwide student protests erupt. The demonstrations demand a comprehensive evaluation of Prabowo's costly programs, cabinet choices, and austerity-driven budget cuts. The protests, dubbed "Indonesia Gelap" or "Dark Indonesia," have spread across several major cities, including Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, and Bali.
The protests began on Monday and Tuesday, with plans to culminate in a massive gathering in front of the presidential palace in Jakarta on Thursday. The peak of the protests coincides with the inauguration day of elected regional heads by the president in Jakarta. Demonstrators are also calling for a day of civil disobedience on Friday, urging citizens to forgo work and join the action at the palace.
The All-Indonesia Association of University Student Executive Bodies, known as BEM SI, is leading the coordination of these protests. Herianto, a coordinator at BEM SI, emphasized the nationwide scale of the protests.
"The protests on Monday and Tuesday were [simultaneous] in every region, but the peak is tomorrow in front of the palace, and only in Jakarta. Thursday is the inauguration day of [elected] regional heads [by the president] in Jakarta." – Herianto, coordinator at All-Indonesia Association of University Student Executive Bodies, or BEM SI.
Nicky Fahrizal, a political researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia, described the student protests as highlighting what he terms Prabowo's "blunder and mediocre cabinet." Despite these criticisms, Fahrizal expressed skepticism about the potential impact of these protests on national politics. He noted that while the protests signify growing discontent among students and young people in Indonesia, they are unlikely to "rock" the national political landscape.
The protests primarily focus on criticizing Prabowo's policies and cabinet choices. Protesters are calling for a more transparent and accountable government, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with current governance. As the demonstrations gain momentum, they underscore the significant challenges facing Prabowo's administration and highlight the voices of young Indonesians demanding change.
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