Hanaa Septiana, Jakarta – Civil society groups across Greater Surabaya are once again staging a protest under the banner of Dark Indonesia (Indonesia Gelap) today, Friday, February 21, demanding the government pass pro-people laws and revoke harmful policies.
A widely circulated social media poster indicates the protest will take place in front of the East Java Regional Legislative Councils (DPRD) building on Indrapura Street, Surabaya, at 9:00 am local time. Participants have been urged to wear black.
"The protest will begin with speeches and theatrical performances, followed by Friday prayers. After prayers, the demonstration and a dialogue session will continue," said protest liaison Thanthowy Syamsudin.
According to Thanthowy, the protest is a response to government policies that harm the public and weaken democracy. The movement has made substantive research outlining the urgency of its statements, supported by data, socio-economic impacts, and policy recommendations.
Tanthowy explained that the protest centers on four key demands. First, the passage of pro-people laws, including the Indigenous Peoples Bill, the Asset Forfeiture Bill, and the Domestic Workers Protection Bill. Second, the rejection of laws seen as anti-people, such as revisions to the Military and Police Laws and amendments to the Mining and Prosecution Laws.
Third, the movement demands a review of policies deemed harmful to the public, such as budget efficiency measures, an oversized cabinet, and the implementation of the Nutritious Meals Program (MBG).
"Fourth, revoke policies that endanger democracy, such as the expanded role of the military and police, Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025, state budget allocations for the new capital (IKN), MBG, and the Danantara program," he added.
Students across Surabaya held a similar protest on Monday, February 17, during which they pressured East Java House members to contact Major Teddy in an attempt to communicate directly with President Prabowo.