A ‘Dark’ Day

Thousands of students across Indonesia took to the streets this week in a three-day “Dark Indonesia” demonstration, protesting against President Prabowo Subianto’s budget cuts, which they say will weaken social support systems and jeopardize their futures, Reuters reported.

More than 1,000 students dressed in black marched in the city of Yogyakarta on Thursday carrying signs and demanding change just four months after Prabowo took office following a landslide election victory.

Protesters say Indonesia is heading toward “darkness” or “Dark Indonesia,” instead of prosperity and development per the vision of “Golden Indonesia,” the Jakarta Post reported.

Some on social media are advocating leaving the country in a plan known locally as “Just Escape First.”

Prabowo wants to cut spending by $19 billion and use those savings for other programs, such as free lunches in schools.

One student leader said many of the president’s policies are vague and that the budget cuts could undermine education and disrupt government services.

The president’s office said education and teacher welfare would not be affected.

Demonstrators are also concerned over the increasing involvement of the military in civilian affairs.

Despite maintaining an approval rate of almost 80 percent, analysts said Prabowo’s popularity could dip as he introduces more budget-cutting policies.