In early 2025, a new hashtag took over Indonesian social media — #KaburAjaDulu, which translates to “Let’s just escape for now.”
It started as a joke. A few sarcastic tweets about “escaping” abroad for study or work soon turned into a national conversation. By February 2025, the tag had gone viral across X (formerly Twitter), reflecting something deeper than humor — a growing frustration among Indonesia’s young generation about the country’s direction.
Behind the memes and witty posts lies a serious message: many young people no longer see Indonesia as a place where they can grow, earn fairly, or build a sustainable future.
A Hashtag That Became a Mirror of Reality
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#KaburAjaDulu became more than a trend — it became a mirror.
Posts under the hashtag often show young Indonesians sharing job openings overseas, scholarship opportunities, language course links, or personal stories about living abroad.
In essence, it captured a shared feeling: life feels easier somewhere else.
While not everyone truly intends to “escape,” the sentiment is clear — people crave opportunities that match their effort. And when those opportunities don’t exist locally, looking abroad feels like the logical next step.
The Real Issues Behind the Movement
Sociologists say this isn’t just about wanderlust.
According to Nur Hasyim from UIN Walisongo Semarang, #KaburAjaDulu is an emotional reaction — a mix of frustration, fatigue, and social protest. He highlights how recent government budget cuts in key areas like education, energy, and climate response have worsened people’s trust in leadership.
Meanwhile, Oki Rahadianto Sutopo from Gadjah Mada University explains that this trend also reflects global awareness.
Young Indonesians can now easily see how other countries operate — better healthcare, stronger education systems, fairer pay, and freedom to express ideas.
The internet has made those comparisons unavoidable.
When a 25-year-old developer in Berlin earns ten times more than someone doing the same work in Jakarta, the desire to “escape” stops sounding like rebellion — it becomes survival logic.
The Other Side: What If Escaping Isn’t the Only Option?
Here’s the interesting twist: while many see “escaping” abroad as the solution, others are finding a middle ground — going global without leaving home.
Thanks to the rise of remote work, talented Indonesians can now work for international companies while staying in the country.
Global tech firms, digital agencies, and startups are increasingly hiring remote developers, designers, marketers, and writers from Indonesia — not because of cheap labor, but because of skill and creativity.
This opens up a new path: instead of physically leaving, young professionals can compete on a global level by upgrading their digital skills — mastering English communication, project management, data analysis, UX design, or AI tools.
In other words, maybe the answer isn’t to escape, but to elevate.
The Role of Skills in Shaping Global Opportunities
Ilustrasi | Pexels.com
If #KaburAjaDulu shows what’s wrong, digital upskilling shows what’s possible.
Today, Indonesian workers can build global careers through:
- Remote work platforms like Upwork, Toptal, or Deel, where skilled freelancers earn in USD or EUR.
- Digital learning platforms (Coursera, Skillshare, RevoU, BuildWithAngga) that help develop job-ready skills.
- Personal branding on LinkedIn and portfolio sites, allowing professionals to attract global clients.
It’s no longer about escaping Indonesia — it’s about bridging the gap between local talent and global demand.
The global job market doesn’t care about where you are; it cares about what you can do.
A Challenge — and a Wake-Up Call
Of course, the frustrations that sparked #KaburAjaDulu are real. Many still face unstable jobs, low wages, and a lack of social safety nets.
But this movement should also serve as a wake-up call — both for policymakers and the workforce itself.
For the government, it’s time to invest in creating modern jobs that reward skills, not just certificates.
For young professionals, it’s a reminder that skills are the new passport.
The world is changing — borders matter less than capabilities.
Final Thought: Don’t Escape — Evolve
#KaburAjaDulu began as a cry for help, but maybe it can evolve into a call for growth.
Yes, some will leave to study or work abroad, and that’s okay — global exposure brings perspective. But many can also stay, thrive, and compete globally from home.
Indonesia’s young generation doesn’t lack passion or talent — they lack pathways.
And through digital skills, global remote work, and continuous learning, those pathways can be built right here, without needing to “escape.”
Maybe it’s time to change the hashtag from #KaburAjaDulu to #UpgradeAjaDulu.
