A group of Indonesians living in Berlin is preparing to stage a protest at Brandenburg Gate on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in solidarity with the ongoing Dark Indonesia (Indonesia Gelap) movement.
Brandenburg Gate, a historic symbol of unity and peace, has been chosen as the venue for the demonstration, which is expected to draw dozens of Indonesian expatriate.
According to Herlambang Bayu Aji, an Indonesian resident in Berlin, the protest reflects deep concerns about political and social issues under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. “This is our way of showing moral support for our brothers and sisters in Indonesia,” Bayu stated on Wednesday, February 26.
The protest has been organized by a group of ten Indonesian expatriates, including artists and students, who have outlined eight major grievances against the current government.
Among their concerns are:
Militarization of governance, citing the appointment of retired military officers to key positions and the involvement of active-duty military personnel in projects such as the food estate program in Papua and the Free Nutritious Meals initiative.
Increased political influence of the police, as well as incidents of police repression against civilians.
Crackdowns on artistic and free expression, including bans on music, theater performances, and art exhibitions deemed critical of the government.
Arrests and criminalization of activists, particularly those opposing mining projects and National Strategic Projects (PSN).
Budget cuts in education and research, seen as detrimental to Indonesia’s future development.
Concerns over state budget mismanagement, particularly regarding an oversized cabinet and a lack of transparency in state asset management.
Legislative stagnation, citing the failure to pass key laws such as the Domestic Workers Protection Law, the Indigenous Peoples Law, and the Agrarian Reform Law.
The Indonesian diaspora in Berlin is calling on the government to:
End the dual-role functions of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri).
Revise laws that threaten freedom of speech and expression.
Amend regulations that exploit Indonesia’s natural resources.
Review controversial projects such as the National Strategic Projects (PSN), the Nusantara Capital City project, and the Free Nutritious Meals program.
Reevaluate the composition of the presidential cabinet
Bayu also mentioned that Indonesians from other parts of Germany have expressed interest in joining the protest. He urged Indonesian communities across the country to remain vigilant about government actions that could impact social justice and environmental sustainability.
The Dark Indonesia movement has gained momentum since February 17, trending widely on social media. Led by student groups and civil society organizations, protests have taken place across Indonesia, criticizing government policies and raising concerns about the nation’s future.
As demonstrations continue both at home and abroad, the movement is becoming a significant voice of opposition against the Prabowo-Gibran administration
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