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.
