In recent weeks, #KaburAjaDulu has taken over Indonesian social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), Threads.net and Instagram. It is not only a social media hashtag, but a social movement started by many young Indonesians who feel the uncertainty of Indonesia's economic situation and career prospects. 

Young people are starting to question the country’s economic policies, job opportunities, and how public funds are managed. With an uncertain future ahead, many are thinking about exploring opportunities outside Indonesia, hoping for more stability and clearer career paths.

This trend is also getting more viral because of the influencers and content creators who share their experiences of working, studying, or starting a business abroad. One of the important highlights they shared is the high difference gap in monthly salaries. 

As of 2024, the average monthly salary in Indonesia is between IDR 5,000,000 and IDR 7,000,000, or about USD 350 to USD 490. In Singapore for example, according to the last year report by the Ministry of Manpower, the average salary per month is around S$7,310 per month or US$3,850. 

Between 2019 and 2022, nearly 4.000 Indonesians primarly aged 25 to 35 renounced their citizenship for SIngapore nationality. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Ministry of Law and Human Rights estimated that in 2023, between six to nine million Indonesians were living abroad. 

The #KaburAjaDulu movement is also often followed by #IndonesiaGelap, which further strengthens the narrative that many people feel pessimistic about the condition of this nation. Because of this, many see "Kabur Aja Dulu" movement is unlikely to fade anytime soon. 

Source: Kompas, YouGov(2019), Indonesian's Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower.