A growing wave of frustration is sweeping across Indonesia, as citizens grapple with economic hardship, controversial government policies, and diminishing confidence in the nation’s future. From small business owners in South Jakarta to young families in Bandung, many Indonesians are openly considering leaving the country, driven by stagnant wages, rising costs, and perceived systemic failures. This sentiment, amplified online under the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu (“just flee already”), has garnered millions of engagements on social media, reflecting a deepening discontent that contrasts sharply with the government’s efforts to lure back skilled diaspora members.
At the heart of this unrest are recent state budget cuts to critical sectors like education, alongside policies that have sparked public outrage, such as restrictions on subsidized cooking gas. These measures have compounded the struggles of ordinary Indonesians, many of whom feel their voices are unheard. As the discourse of emigration gains traction, questions arise about the long-term impact of this potential brain drain on Indonesia’s development ambitions and whether the government can stem the tide of disillusionment.
Economic Pressures Fuel Discontent
For Aldo Simanjuntak, a 29-year-old coffee shop owner in South Jakarta, the past month has been a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. His once-bustling café, frequented by university students and bank employees, has seen customer numbers dwindle to a third of their usual level. “They used to come every day. Now, maybe twice or three times a week at most,” Aldo told a local outlet recently. He attributes the sharp decline to circulating rumours of a government “efficiency drive,” which he believes has made his regulars more cautious with their spending. “I’ve never seen such a dramatic drop in my business,” he added, his frustration palpable.
Aldo’s story is not unique. Across the archipelago, Indonesians are feeling the pinch of rising prices against stagnant wages. In Bandung, West Java, Sara Akmalia, a 30-year-old marketing specialist, is wrestling with the daunting task of choosing a school for her seven-year-old son. With private school fees beyond her reach and recent cuts to the national education budget eroding her faith in public institutions, Sara feels trapped. “It’s just getting incredibly hard to live in Indonesia,” she said. “Prices have gone up, but wages have stayed the same.” Like Aldo, she has begun exploring opportunities abroad, applying for multiple job postings in the hope of a better future.
These personal accounts reflect broader economic challenges facing Indonesia, where purchasing power has declined and access to essential commodities, such as subsidized motor fuel, has become increasingly difficult. The government’s recent policy to limit the sale of 3-kilogram canisters of subsidized cooking gas—later reversed after widespread backlash—has only deepened public frustration. The decision, spearheaded by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, led to nationwide shortages earlier this month, drawing sharp criticism and forcing President Prabowo Subianto to intervene.
A Digital Movement of Disillusionment
The growing urge to leave Indonesia has found a powerful outlet online, where the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu has become a rallying cry for those disillusioned with the status quo. In just a few days, the most popular posts on X tagged with this phrase have amassed over 6 million engagements, indicating the scale of public sentiment. Indonesians already abroad have joined the conversation, sharing resources and advice for those considering emigration, further amplifying the discourse.
This digital movement stands in stark contrast to the government’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled members of the Indonesian diaspora back home. Officials have acknowledged that brain drain poses a significant threat to the country’s long-term development plans, which rely heavily on a robust pool of human capital. Incentives, such as a scheme allowing foreign citizens of Indonesian descent to hold permanent visas, have been introduced to encourage returns. Yet, recent policy missteps and economic challenges have cast doubt on the effectiveness of these measures.
Sana Juhairi, a 28-year-old student in Milan, Italy, is among those who have reconsidered plans to return. Initially, she and her husband had discussed buying land in Indonesia as a step towards an eventual homecoming. However, recent political and economic developments have changed their minds. “We were quite alert during the elections but kept an open mind. Now we’re sure. We plan to stay here in Italy for permanent residency,” Sana explained. Her decision reflects a broader sentiment among the diaspora, many of whom are watching events unfold with growing scepticism.
Political Responses and Public Backlash
The rising tide of emigration discourse has not gone unnoticed by Indonesia’s political class. Former Jakarta governor and opposition figure Anies Baswedan recently addressed the trend in a short online video, urging citizens to persevere. “Loving Indonesia is indeed an act that requires patience,” he said, framing resilience as a patriotic duty. His message, however, has done little to quell the frustration felt by many.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, already under fire for the cooking gas policy, drew further criticism when he suggested that those considering leaving were not true nationalists. The remark, made during a public statement on Thursday, sparked a fierce online backlash. For individuals like Aldo, such comments are dismissive of genuine struggles. “Let him say whatever he wants,” Aldo retorted. “In my opinion, the true un-nationalistic act is making regulations that hurt the people.”
Bahlil’s tenure has been marked by controversy, with the cooking gas debacle serving as a flashpoint for public anger. The policy’s reversal, while a concession, has done little to restore trust in the government’s handling of economic issues. If anything, it has reinforced the perception among many Indonesians that systemic problems—ranging from poorly conceived regulations to inadequate social safety nets—are driving them to seek better prospects elsewhere.
The spectre of Brain Drain
Indonesia’s struggle to retain talent is not a new phenomenon, but the current wave of discontent has brought the issue into sharp focus. The government’s admission that brain drain could hinder long-term development underscores the stakes involved. Skilled professionals and students, like Sana in Milan, represent a vital resource for a nation aiming to compete on the global stage. Yet, if domestic conditions continue to alienate these individuals, the exodus may accelerate, leaving Indonesia grappling with a shortage of expertise in key sectors.
Economic analysts suggest that addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including targeted investments in education and job creation, alongside policies that bolster purchasing power. If confirmed, reforms aimed at reducing living costs and improving access to essential services could help restore public confidence. However, such measures remain speculative at this stage, with no concrete plans announced by the government to address the root causes of discontent.
Moreover, the cultural and social implications of a potential mass exodus cannot be ignored. Indonesia’s diverse society, built on a shared sense of national identity, risks fragmentation if significant numbers of citizens choose to leave. While online discussions under #KaburAjaDulu may reflect momentary frustration, they also signal a deeper erosion of trust in the country’s institutions—a trend that could have lasting consequences if left unchecked.
As Indonesians like Aldo, Sara, and Sana weigh their options, the nation stands at a critical juncture. The government’s ability to address economic grievances and rebuild public trust will likely determine whether this wave of disillusionment translates into a tangible exodus. For now, the sentiment captured by #KaburAjaDulu serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Indonesia—a country rich in potential but burdened by systemic issues that test the patience of its people.
The stories of those contemplating departure are not merely personal; they reflect a broader narrative of struggle and resilience. Whether Indonesia can reverse this tide remains to be seen, but the voices of its citizens, both at home and abroad, demand to be heard. For many, the decision to stay or leave is not just about hope or despair—it is about survival in a rapidly changing world.