A new center of destabilization is being set up by George Soros's Open Society Foundations (OSF) network, as, according to confidential documents cited by The Grayzone, it funded extensive political, media, and legal initiatives aimed at preventing the political dominance of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and creating the conditions for the emergence of a new political leadership in the country. According to the report, since the election of Prabowo Subianto to the presidency of Indonesia in February 2024, the country has faced successive waves of anti-government mobilizations. The demonstrations, fueled by discontent over economic conditions and elite corruption, often escalated into violent clashes with police and the military. The leaked documents allegedly reveal that the social unrest was not entirely spontaneous but was part of a broader strategic plan that exploited existing social grievances, with the Open Society Foundations network as the primary financier.
The role of the Soros network
The Open Society Foundations, founded in 1993 by billionaire George Soros, has been described by the New York Times as an extensive political and philanthropic network that promotes liberal and democratic values globally. According to The Grayzone, the leaked documents show that as early as 2019, the OSF was funneling significant amounts of money into programs aimed at strengthening "resistance" and "dissent" against the government of then-president Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi. A key intermediary for this funding was reportedly the Jakarta-based Kurawal Foundation, which was the largest recipient of OSF funds between 2019 and 2024. Kurawal identifies itself as a social justice organization seeking to promote a "decent and beneficial democracy" in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
Creation of political opposition
The documents argue that Kurawal funded individuals, groups, and organizations deemed capable of promoting Western liberal political concepts within the country. According to the leaks, one of the main goals was the creation of a new political audience that would resist Prabowo's influence and support alternative political forces. This activity intensified particularly during the 2023 pre-election period, as Indonesia prepared for the February 2024 presidential elections. Despite the landslide victory of Prabowo Subianto, which international observers characterized as legitimate and transparent, the documents report that Kurawal attempted to cultivate a climate of doubt regarding alleged large-scale electoral fraud. The pressure created resulted in a change to the electoral law, allowing more political parties to participate in the 2029 elections.
Documentaries, universities, and an "awakening campaign"
One of the most significant tools of influence was the documentary "Dirty Vote," which was released immediately after Prabowo's electoral victory. The film presented the claim that state mechanisms were used to manipulate the electoral process and called on citizens to take action to protect democracy. According to the documents, the video surpassed 20 million views on YouTube, while it was systematically screened at universities across the country through a special tour. Despite the fact that the Constitutional Court of Indonesia rejected all appeals challenging the election result, Kurawal allegedly believes it succeeded in establishing the perception of "massive electoral fraud" in public opinion.
Aiming to create new political parties
After the change in the electoral law, Kurawal estimated that it gained the ability to create new political alliances and possibly new parties. Special emphasis was placed on women, young people, and environmental activists, who were considered the key drivers of a new political formation that could challenge Prabowo's dominance. At the same time, the documents report that the goal was the "penetration" of or exerting pressure on existing political parties in order to transform them ideologically and radicalize them.
The "new generation" strategy and the battle for Indonesia's political future
According to the leaked documents cited by The Grayzone, the strategy of the organizations funded by the Open Society Foundations network was not limited to exerting pressure on the government or challenging election results. Instead, the goal was the formation of a new political generation, capable of influencing the political landscape of Indonesia in the long term. At the center of this strategy was the so-called Gen Z, i.e., younger voters, who are considered decisive for future electoral contests. The documents state that the Kurawal Foundation invested significant resources in educational programs, political training workshops, and networks of young activists, with the aim of creating a new wave of political participation that would challenge traditional power structures.
The "Ekspedisi Indonesia Baru" program
Particular mention is made of the Ekspedisi Indonesia Baru ("New Indonesian Expedition") program, which is described as an ambitious project for the political mobilization of young people. Through seminars, discussions, educational trips, and actions at universities, the program allegedly sought to shape a new political consciousness among young Indonesians. According to the documents, participants were encouraged to develop leadership skills, actively engage in public affairs, and function as multipliers of political messages in their local communities. Critics of these initiatives argue that these were not just educational activities, but an organized effort for political shaping with a specific ideological mark.
The book "Reset Indonesia"
Another element that sparked discussion was the promotion of the book "Reset Indonesia," which was presented as a plan for the renewal of the country after the elections. According to the report, the book promoted a new political and social agenda, emphasizing reforms linked to liberal democratic values, social rights, and the restructuring of state institutions. Its authors argued that Indonesia needed a deep political reboot to address corruption, inequality, and the challenges of the modern era. In contrast, critics of the project considered it an ideological plan to reshape the country according to Western political models.
Legal warfare and activism
The leaked documents also make reference to what is described as "lawfare," i.e., the use of legal procedures as a tool of political pressure. A central role in this field was reportedly played by the YLBHI organization, one of the largest legal support and human rights organizations in Indonesia. According to the revelations, the organization was funded to provide legal support to protesters, activists, and social groups that clashed with state authorities. Supporters of these actions argue that this is a necessary protection of civil liberties. Critics, on the other hand, believe that legal support was used as a means of weakening the government and strengthening anti-government mobilizations.
The case of Papua
Particular emphasis is also placed on the mobilizations in the Papua region, which has been a center of political tensions and separatist tendencies for decades. The documents argue that organizations linked to the wider funding network participated in awareness and mobilization campaigns regarding human rights in the region. The issue of Papua is one of the most sensitive topics for the Indonesian government, which considers any external interference particularly dangerous for the country's national cohesion.
The geopolitical dimension
Beyond internal political confrontation, the report attempts to place these developments in a broader geopolitical context. According to this perspective, Indonesia is a critical player in the formation of a multipolar international system, maintaining close relations with both the West and emerging powers such as China and Russia. Critics of the Soros network argue that the interventions aim to maintain Western influence in countries of strategic importance. On the other hand, supporters of the Open Society Foundations insist that their initiatives are aimed exclusively at strengthening democracy, transparency, and human rights.
An issue with international dimensions
The revelations published by The Grayzone are expected to fuel intense discussions both within Indonesia and internationally. If the claims in the documents are confirmed, it would be one of the most extensive cases of foreign political influence in one of the world's largest democracies. Conversely, if the accusations are refuted or proven exaggerated, the case will be added to the long-standing controversy surrounding the role of international non-governmental organizations, policy influence foundations, and the funding of social movements in countries of strategic importance. In any case, the case highlights how the battle for political influence in the 21st century is not fought only at the ballot box, but also in universities, the media, courtrooms, social media platforms, and civil society funding networks.
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