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In Indonesia, a $28 billion annual plan to provide free meals to schoolchildren has sparked opposition among students, who are upset about impending budget cuts in higher education. This week, thousands of students protested in various cities, voicing their dissent against the policies of President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office four months ago. The demonstrations, labeled “Dark Indonesia,” mark the first significant resistance to the president’s policies.
The students are particularly opposed to Prabowo’s proposal to reduce government spending, including education, to allocate funds for his primary initiatives, notably the free meals program. This program, once fully implemented, is intended to serve 82 million people daily. Cleorisa Cheguevara Riswan, a 20-year-old National University student protesting in Jakarta, criticized the free meals program, stating it is ineffective as it compromises education. Riswan emphasized the need for education and healthcare to secure proper employment.
Young Indonesians’ frustration reflects a broader concern about the nation’s economic trajectory, with the middle class shrinking over the past six years amidst struggles to create sufficient formal sector jobs. Unemployment among those aged 15-24 was 17.3% last August, significantly higher than the national rate of 4.9%. Moreover, unemployment among university graduates and vocational diploma holders is rising. Over 44 million Indonesians fall within this age group, approximating 16% of the population.
In a recent directive, Prabowo ordered substantial spending cuts to ministry budgets to save 306.7 trillion rupiah ($19 billion) for the meals program and other priorities. These measures have led to the cancellation of infrastructure projects, scholarships, and even reduced air-conditioning usage in government buildings. The higher education, science, and technology ministry’s budget has been cut by a quarter to 42.3 trillion rupiah, as informed by the minister. The primary and secondary education ministry also faces budget reductions.
Young Indonesians, many of whom supported Prabowo due to his grandfatherly image during his election campaign, are feeling increasingly disillusioned. The students are using the term “Dark Indonesia,” a counter to the country’s “Golden Indonesia” vision, and a viral hashtag, “KaburAjaDulu,” translated as “just flee first,” as social media users urge each other to seek better opportunities abroad.
Maria Monica Wihardja, a visiting fellow at Singapore’s Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute and former World Bank economist, attributed the youth’s disappointment to concerns over job creation, governance, and social justice during Prabowo’s early tenure. The central bank recently reduced its 2025 growth forecast citing weak economic prospects and domestic consumption. Nonetheless, Prabowo remains committed to raising annual growth to 8%, up from the current 5%.
While Prabowo advocates the free meals program as a solution to child malnutrition, educational improvement, and local economic stimulation, critics question the feasibility of its funding and resource allocation efficiency. According to Wihardja, reallocating some free meal funds to education might help prepare students for the workforce.
Government officials recognize the “fleeing” trend stems from the perceived lack of opportunities domestically, although some question the patriotism of young Indonesians considering emigration. On Jakarta streets, students carried signs reading “RIP education” and “education emergency in Indonesia,” urging Prabowo to reconsider budget cuts and the free meals program. In Papua province, students demanded free education and improved school facilities rather than free meals, local media reported.
While Prabowo has yet to comment on the protests, government officials indicated they are reviewing the students’ demands. Many young Indonesians express their frustrations online with the “just flee first” hashtag, sharing information on scholarships and overseas job opportunities. Indonesians abroad are contributing career advice and personal experiences about life in foreign countries.
Muhammad Syabil Diandra, a 21-year-old protestor in Jakarta, described the hashtag as a manifestation of disappointment, fear, and despair, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding future job prospects.
