Expressions of frustration over various social issues in Indonesia and the desire to seek a better life abroad have gained traction on social media, accompanied by the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu, which roughly translates to “just escape first.” Popularized on platforms like X and TikTok, this phrase reflects a growing trend among Indonesian youth who aspire to work abroad while also influencing their peers to do the same. Whether for better career opportunities, higher salaries, or an improved quality of life, this wave of young adults leaving the country raises critical questions: What is driving this movement, and what does it reveal about Indonesia’s job market?
According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights in 2023, there are at least 6 million Indonesians in the diaspora spread across 18 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, China, Suriname, Madagascar, the United States, the Netherlands, Timor Leste, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Germany, South Korea, and South Africa. This global migration trend highlights a broader pattern of Indonesians living abroad, a phenomenon that continues to expand among the younger generation.
The Allure of Moving Abroad
For many young professionals, working overseas presents an opportunity to build international networks, earn higher salaries, and achieve a better work-life balance. It’s not always about moving far—neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have become popular destinations due to their competitive salaries, advanced transportation systems, and progressive work cultures Additionally, many young Indonesians attempt to begin their transition through education, choosing to quit their current jobs in Indonesia and pursue further studies abroad with scholarships from countries like China, Australia, and New Zealand, which cover full tuition, pre-departure training, and generous living stipends.
One of the factors behind this trend is the economic uncertainty in Indonesia, which has made it more challenging for fresh graduates to secure stable and well-paying jobs., which has made it increasingly difficult for fresh graduates to secure stable and well-paying jobs. According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the number of unemployed persons in Indonesia reached 7.47 million in August 2024, an increase of approximately 0.27 million (3.75 percent) compared to February 2024 (7.20 million). Among them, 842,378 people hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree. This number highlights the challenges faced by highly educated individuals who, despite their qualifications, struggle to establish their careers.
The situation is further compounded by a mismatch between academic qualifications and industry needs. Many graduates find that their degrees do not align with Indonesia’s job market demands, forcing them to accept positions with little career growth or financial stability. Others turn to gig work, freelance jobs, or informal employment, which may provide temporary income but lacks security, benefits, and long-term prospects.
Faced with these uncertainties, an increasing number of young Indonesians see working or studying abroad as a way to improve their economic prospects. Countries with stronger labor markets and better professional development opportunities become attractive alternatives, fueling the trend of skilled migration in search of stability and success.
Beyond seeking better jobs, some Indonesians who have successfully settled in their dream countries are making long-term moves, including changing their citizenship. For example, Singapore has become a key destination for Indonesians seeking a new nationality. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights, 3,912 Indonesian citizens switched to Singaporean nationality between 2019 and 2022.
Beyond Money: Seeking a Better Work Culture
Indonesian youth are not only looking for higher salaries but also a healthier work culture. Many feel that workplaces in Indonesia can be overly hierarchical, limiting innovation and personal growth. In contrast, companies in developed countries tend to foster more open and inclusive work environments, where employees are valued based on performance and contributions rather than seniority. Additionally, work-life balance is a significant factor influencing young Indonesians to seek opportunities abroad. Many local workplaces still uphold a strict structure, with long working hours and expectations of overtime that often go uncompensated.
This culture of overwork can lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of personal time, making it difficult for employees to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. Indonesian workers are increasingly looking for workplaces that offer shorter working hours, flexible arrangements, and stronger labor protections, all of which contribute to better mental health.
As a result, many are drawn to countries like Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark, Sweden, which are known for their shorter working hours, longer holidays, and strong labor protections. In these nations, employees benefit from strict regulations on overtime, generous paid leave, parental benefits, and mental health support programs.
For example, under the current system in Sweden, parents are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave, whether shared between both parents or all taken by a single parent. In contrast, Indonesia provides 90 days of paid maternity leave for women, but no statutory paternity leave, although some companies may offer a few days. Indonesia’s leave regulation is less flexible, and the system offers fewer benefits overall, making Sweden’s parental leave system much more attractive.
Political Uncertainty and Layoffs
Indonesia’s ongoing political transition from President Joko Widodo to President Prabowo Subianto, along with the formation of a new cabinet, shifting policies, and evolving business landscapes, has led many companies to adopt a “wait and see” approach. As a result, many businesses are delaying hiring and expansion plans, preferring to hold off on major decisions until the political situation stabilizes. This uncertainty has contributed to a sense of instability in the job market, with both job seekers and employers taking a cautious stance in the face of the shifting political and economic environment.
Additionally, job instability and layoffs have pushed many Indonesian youth to look for stability overseas. The Ministry of Manpower data shows between January and June 2024, 32,064 workers in Indonesia were laid off, with Jakarta experiencing the highest number of job losses, accounting for approximately 23.29% of reported cases. Factors such as automation, economic downturns, and shifting industry demands have led to unexpected terminations, particularly in the tech and manufacturing sectors.
In contrast, foreign job markets often offer stronger labor protections, severance benefits, and retraining programs, making employment abroad a more stable and attractive option for Indonesian professionals. The healthcare sector is a prime example of this trend. Between June 2023 and June 2024, 66 Indonesian nurses were employed in Singapore’s public hospitals, including Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Changi General Hospital. This number is expected to grow, as Singapore’s Ministry of Health projects a need for an additional 24,000 nurses and healthcare staff by 2030. With this rising demand, Indonesian nurses are increasingly looking to Singapore for better wages, structured training programs, and clearer career progression.
What This Means for Indonesia
The increasing number of young Indonesians seeking opportunities abroad raises concerns about Indonesia’s job market and talent retention. If Indonesia’s labor market fails to offer competitive salaries, progressive work cultures, and better career prospects, the country risks experiencing a brain drain, where its best and brightest opt for international careers.
This comes at a crucial time when Indonesia is experiencing a demographic bonus, with 70.72% of its population in the productive age group (15–64 years old). Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is currently the largest generation in Indonesia, making up 27.94% of the population (74.93 million people), followed by millennials at 25.87% (69.38 million people) according to the report by IDN Research Institute in 2024.
The challenge for Indonesia is to create an environment where young professionals feel motivated to build their careers domestically, rather than viewing overseas opportunities as the only way forward. The trend #KaburAjaDulu trend is more than just a social media trend, it reflects deeper systemic issues within Indonesia’s job market.
While working abroad offers undeniable advantages, it is crucial for Indonesian policymakers and businesses to address the root causes behind this exodus—ensuring that Indonesia remains a place where young talent can thrive, innovate, and shape a brighter future.