Young Indonesians yearn to ‘run away’ overseas for work as frustration grows
There is rising unhappiness over what these Indonesians see as few job opportunities and inadequate government policies in their country
Young Indonesians are voicing their aspirations to move abroad for work or study through the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu, or “Let’s Run Away First” on social media platforms such as X and TikTok.
“If you don’t have much attachment in this country, please do really consider #KaburAjaDulu. Seriously,” user Petra Novandi said on X.
Observers cite a raft of reasons for this yearning. According to Ismail Fahmi, founder of Jakarta-based Media Kernels Indonesia, which monitors conversations on social media, the discourse was sparked by “economic dissatisfaction, declining quality of life, social injustice, inadequate government policies, and hopes for a better future”.
Users exchanged tips, as well as the pros and cons, of living abroad. X user Hafizha Anisa, for example, said: “I’m actually sick of this country’s [problems], but I like Indonesia. Its nature, its food, its weather, its culture. Therefore, I don’t want #KaburAjaDulu. This country must be taken back by the people from THEM. I want to live comfortably here as a citizen.”
Yoel Sumitro, an Indonesian in Germany, shared a list of countries rated by their salaries, living quality, ease of getting a visa, and job opportunities in the technology sector. For tech workers, he recommended Singapore, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Berlin and Dubai as their “run away” destination.