The hashtag #KaburAjaDulu has recently gone viral on social media. This trend expresses the frustration of young people regarding economic conditions, the challenges of finding employment, the high cost of education, and low salaries. Many individuals view working abroad as a viable alternative for improving their quality of life.
Dr. Muhammad Yorga Permana, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Indonesia Juara Foundation and a Research Lecturer in Labor at the SBM ITB, stated that the hashtag reflects the perception of the younger generation regarding the deteriorating economic and social conditions in the country. He emphasized that it is not merely a fleeting trend.
Yorga identified three main factors that encourage young people to seek opportunities abroad. First, government policies are considered insufficient in creating jobs. Young people’s anger has accumulated since the COVID-19 era, especially because of policies that are felt to have never sided with them. Second, increasing job opportunities abroad.
“This phenomenon is not new. But now it has become an iceberg that has exploded due to high unemployment rates and more open access to information about job opportunities and overseas scholarships,” said Yorga in Bandung (14/2).
Third, the readiness of young people to face the world of work is a crucial factor. Thorough preparation is needed so that they are more prepared and resilient in facing challenges in the world of work. This means that frustration due to inadequate preparation during the transition from school to the world of work also drives their anger towards the uncertainty of the world of work climate.
Currently, the Indonesian labor market is facing serious challenges. Decent jobs in Indonesia are very limited. The official unemployment rate has reached 7.2 million people.
“But there is something called hidden unemployment, which is estimated to reach 12-15 million people,” said Yorga.
In addition, only 40% of jobs are categorized as the formal sector. In contrast, the other 60% are informal jobs.
“If we talk about the formal sector, only 24% of them have formal work contracts,” Yorga explained.
The wave of layoffs further exacerbates this situation. Official government data shows that more than 80,000 people have lost their jobs in 2024, which is likely higher.
The impact could be very broad if this frustration is linked to economic and political realities. When someone is unemployed, this weakens the middle class, which should be the mainstay of democracy. Without a strong middle class, support for democracy will be weak, thus complicating political conditions and narrowing the space for voicing criticism.
Meanwhile, various government programs that are often promoted on social media have not been convincing enough for young people. Many feel that these programs are more symbolic without any real impact.
“I am happy that young people are critical because it is a form of social control. But they need policies that can be felt, not just gimmicks,” he said.
Indonesia’s ambition to become a developed country by 2045 could be threatened if this condition continues. The target of Indonesia Emas is for 80% of the population to be in the middle class. Still, in 2019 the number only reached 21%. In fact, according to the latest BPS data, the figure decreased to 17% in 2024.
This indicator shows that Indonesia is not yet on the expected path to achieving this vision. According to Yorga, working abroad can be a solution with thorough preparation.
“If they are not ready, they can end up as illegal workers. However, for knowledge workers, this can be a great opportunity,” he said.
He added that working abroad can provide benefits for Indonesia through brain circulation.
“The diaspora can contribute through international networks, technology transfer, or even returning to their homeland to build industry,” he explained.
Although working abroad can be an option, Yorga emphasized that this is not a shortcut.
“Challenges such as loyalty, fierce competition, and skill demands must be faced. Young people need to increase their competitiveness with digital skills, English, and self-confidence,” he said.
Ultimately, what can make young people happier is an increase in income, which can only be achieved through acquiring skills. This serves as a reminder to those who underestimate the challenges faced by the middle class and young people. The hashtag #KaburAjaDulu is not just a complaint; it reflects the reality faced by Indonesia’s young generation today.