Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia has recently been abuzz with the hashtag ‘Kabur Aja Dulu’ trend, which has gained traction across various social media platforms, including X, TikTok, and Instagram. The trend has quickly captured public attention and sparked widespread discussions online.
The phrase “Kabur Aja Dulu” which roughly translates to “Just Leave First”, has become increasingly popular among young Indonesians on social media. The hashtag reflects growing concerns among the public, particularly the youth, over national issues such as rising living costs, difficulties in securing jobs, and economic and social uncertainties.
The trend has gained even more traction as influencers and content creators share their experiences of working, studying, or starting businesses overseas.
Adding to the momentum, the hashtag is often accompanied by #IndonesiaGelap, meaning “Indonesia is Dark,” further reinforcing a sense of pessimism about the nation’s future. Many interpret “Kabur Aja Dulu” as an encouragement to seek better opportunities abroad.
Kabur Aja Dulu
According to Kompas, the phrase emerged as an expression of public frustration over national issues, including economic instability, shrinking job opportunities, policy missteps, and ongoing concerns over law enforcement.
For some, “Kabur Aja Dulu” is a form of escapism. For others, it is an expression of deep disappointment toward the country’s leadership. Initially used as a lighthearted joke among netizens, the phrase has since evolved into a more serious critique of Indonesia’s current socio-political climate.
In essence, “Kabur Aja Dulu” represents both a call to seek a better environment and a form of protest against what many perceive as unfavorable conditions in Indonesia. The slogan has also become a symbol of resistance against a bureaucracy seen as slow, unaccountable, and failing to meet public expectations.
Social media has served as a powerful platform for citizens to voice their dissatisfaction, with memes, hashtags, and sharp critiques highlighting the need for fundamental reforms in government thinking and leadership. As a result, “Kabur Aja Dulu” has transcended online discussions and now reflects a broader crisis of confidence in national governance.
Government Response
Manpower Minister (Kemnaker) Yassierli addressed the viral ‘Kabur Aja Dulu’ trend, acknowledging the availability of job opportunities abroad but cautioning against seeing them as an escape from Indonesia.
“There are indeed job opportunities overseas,” Yassierli said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta on Monday (February 17), as Reported by Kumparan.
He noted that many countries seek Indonesian workers, particularly in high-demand sectors. However, he emphasized that working abroad should not be equated with permanently leaving Indonesia but rather as an opportunity to gain skills and experience.
Yassierli further explained that overseas work experience could be a valuable asset for Indonesians returning to contribute to the national economy. “If they come back and help build the country, then there’s no issue,” he added.
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At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges that drive people to seek employment abroad. Many Indonesians struggle to find decent job opportunities domestically, prompting them to explore alternatives overseas.
“But this is a challenge for us. If this is what they aspire to, then let’s work on creating better jobs here,” he stressed.
He assured that the government is committed to improving the quality of domestic job opportunities so that Indonesians do not feel compelled to seek a better life elsewhere. Yassierli expressed hope that instead of merely focusing on leaving, Indonesians would consider ways to grow both domestically and internationally while maintaining a connection to their homeland.
(Raidi/Agung)
