Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto claimed that corruptors pay the masses for demonstrations under the titles 'Dark Indonesia' (Indonesia Gelap) and 'Let's Flee First' (Kabur Aja Dulu). These corruptors want Indonesia to remain in turmoil.
"They want Indonesia to always be in turmoil, always poor. Yes, those corruptors who fund those demonstrations, darken Indonesia," said Prabowo in his speech at the PSI Congress in Solo, Central Java, on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
The General Chairman of the Gerindra Party mentioned efforts to perpetuate pessimism among Indonesian society on social media. Many intelligent people spread this pessimism, such as calling for a dark Indonesia and let's flee first. In fact, according to Prabowo, there are those who pay experts to comment on the situation in Indonesia.
"Smart people play the role of leaders, but what is being spread is pessimism, (about) dark Indonesia, flee (the country) first," he said.
Prabowo even challenges Indonesians who want to go abroad. According to Prabowo, the situation abroad is not easy. "Flee (Indonesia) first. Well, it's not easy there, (living) abroad. Where ever you are, you will be pursued there," he said.
However, according to Prabowo, Indonesia has a bright future. Prabowo's confidence is based on the potential amount of natural wealth in Indonesia. "It's just a matter of whether we can manage it or not," said Prabowo.
In April 2025, Prabowo also mentioned 'Dark Indonesia.' Prabowo said not everyone considers Indonesia to be dark. He cited happy farmers whose policies he claimed had successfully increased food production.
He said Indonesia is indeed facing challenges. However, Prabowo stated that the situation is still controllable. "I won't prohibit people from always looking at the darkness. If there are people who want to see darkness, feel free," he said.
'Dark Indonesia', or Indonesia Gelap, became a trending topic on social media X on Monday, February 17, 2025. The viral 'IndonesiaGelap' hashtag in social media X is a slogan used by netizens to highlight various issues in the government during the era of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
– Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to this article.