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Indonesia is facing significant opposition from students regarding its plans to allocate $28 billion annually for free meals for schoolchildren. Students have expressed their disapproval over anticipated reductions in higher education funding as part of these plans. Protests have erupted nationwide, with thousands taking to the streets in various cities. This marks the first significant resistance to President Prabowo Subianto’s policies since he assumed office four months ago.
The students’ opposition is largely directed at Prabowo’s proposal to cut government spending, including education funds, to support his main initiatives, particularly the free meals program. This program aims to benefit 82 million people daily once fully operational. Cleorisa Cheguevara Riswan, a 20-year-old student from the National University, participated in protests in Jakarta, expressing concerns that the program undermines the necessity for education and healthcare in the pursuit of well-paying jobs.
The unrest among Indonesia’s youth highlights broader worries about the nation’s economic trajectory. An increasingly shrinking middle class over the past six years and inadequate job creation in the formal sector exacerbate these concerns. As of last August, the unemployment rate for Indonesians aged 15-24 stood at 17.3%, significantly higher than the national average of 4.9%. The number of unemployed university graduates and vocational diploma holders is also on the rise. Approximately 44 million Indonesians fall within this age group, making up about 16% of the population.
In response to financial demands of the meals program and other priorities, Prabowo has ordered significant budget reductions across ministries, totaling Rp306.7 trillion ($19 billion). This has resulted in the cancellation of infrastructure projects, scholarships, and even a cutback on air conditioning in government buildings. The budget for the higher education, science, and technology ministry has been reduced by 25% to Rp42.3 trillion, as revealed by the minister in a parliamentary session. Similarly, the budget for the primary and secondary education ministry has been decreased.
Despite support for Prabowo during his election campaign, which emphasized his grandfatherly demeanor, many young Indonesians now express a sense of hopelessness. The protests, labeled as “Dark Indonesia” in contrast to the country’s vision of a “Golden Indonesia” by 2045, have sparked a viral hashtag, #KaburAjaDulu, encouraging young people to seek better opportunities abroad.
Maria Monica Wihardja, a visiting fellow at Singapore’s Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute and former World Bank economist, stated that young Indonesians are dissatisfied with Prabowo’s policies, particularly in terms of job creation and social progress. Last month, the central bank lowered its growth forecast for 2025, citing a weakened economic outlook. Nevertheless, Prabowo remains committed to achieving an 8% annual growth rate, up from the current 5%.
While the free meals initiative is seen by its proponents as a solution to child malnutrition, a means to enhance educational outcomes, and a way to stimulate local economies, critics question its viability and prioritization of already limited resources.
Wihardja suggested that reallocating funds from the free meals program to education could better prepare young Indonesians for the workforce. There is a growing sentiment among officials that the trend of youth migration arises from limited domestic opportunities, although concerns have been raised about the patriotism of those promoting emigration.
In the latest demonstrations, students displayed signs with messages such as “RIP education” and “education emergency in Indonesia,” urging Prabowo to reconsider the budget cuts and the free meals program. In Papua province, students have reportedly requested free access to education and improved school infrastructures as an alternative to free meals.
Although Prabowo has not commented on the protests, government officials are reportedly reviewing the students’ demands. Meanwhile, young Indonesians are sharing their frustrations online through the “just flee first” hashtag and exchanging links to scholarships and international job opportunities. Students like Muhammad Syabil Diandra, who joined the protests, have voiced concerns over future job prospects, citing sentiments of disappointment, fear, and despair.