Kuliah Mahal, Kerja Susah, Gen Z Pilih Rebahan

Summary

In Indonesia, youth unemployment is a growing issue, with 9.9 million young people aged 15-24 categorized as neither working nor studying. Rising tuition fees at universities like UGM, UNS, and Unsud exacerbate this problem, making education increasingly inaccessible. Despite an increase in the number of students, many struggle with financial barriers. In contrast, countries like Germany, Norway, and France offer affordable or even free education, providing a stark contrast to Indonesia’s costly system. Addressing these issues is critical for Indonesia’s economic future, requiring better policies for education and job creation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia is facing a significant youth unemployment problem, with 9.9 million young people (ages 15-24) categorized as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training).
• 😀 The percentage of young women (26.54%) who are NEET is higher than that of young men (18.21%).
• 😀 Despite the increasing number of university students in Indonesia, many are unable to continue their education due to high tuition fees.
• 😀 The number of university students in Indonesia grew from 6.23 million in 2012 to 9.32 million in 2022.
• 😀 Several public universities in Indonesia, like Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Universitas Jenderal Sudirman (Unsud), have raised their tuition fees, making higher education less accessible.
• 😀 At UGM, tuition fees increased by up to 75%, while at Unsud, the fee hike ranged from 300% to 500%.
• 😀 At Universitas 11 Maret (UNS), tuition fees surged by a staggering 800%.
• 😀 Many young people are unable to access higher education due to financial barriers, contributing to the high youth unemployment rate.
• 😀 Countries like Germany, Norway, and Mexico offer affordable or even free higher education, making them attractive destinations for international students.
• 😀 In Germany, university tuition fees are as low as 250 euros per semester, and Norway offers free education at most of its universities, including for international students.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the transcript regarding youth in Indonesia?

The main issue discussed is the high number of young people in Indonesia, aged 15-24, who are neither in education, employment, nor training (NEET). This leads to increased unemployment and underemployment among the youth.

What is the NEET category, and how many Indonesian youth fall into it?

NEET stands for 'Not in Employment, Education, or Training.' According to the data, 9.9 million Indonesian youth fall into this category, which is a significant concern for the country.

How does the gender disparity in the NEET category manifest in Indonesia?

The gender disparity shows that a higher percentage of young women are in the NEET category. Data indicates that 26.54% of young women are NEET compared to 18.21% of young men.

What are some of the key factors contributing to the youth unemployment problem in Indonesia?

Key factors contributing to youth unemployment include a low absorption rate in the job market, rapid technological advancements, and the high cost of higher education, which prevents many young people from pursuing further education or training.

How has the number of university students in Indonesia changed over the past decade?

The number of university students in Indonesia has increased significantly. In 2012, there were 6.23 million students, and by 2022, this number grew to 9.32 million, reflecting an increase in access to higher education.

What challenges do young Indonesians face despite the increase in university enrollment?

Despite the increase in university enrollment, many young Indonesians face challenges in pursuing higher education due to financial constraints, as rising tuition fees make it harder for students to afford education.

What are the tuition fee increases in Indonesian public universities like UGM and UNS?

Several Indonesian public universities have raised their tuition fees significantly. For example, UGM's tuition fee increased by up to 75%, while UNS saw increases between 300% and 500%, causing concerns among students and university staff.

How do the tuition fee increases at Indonesian universities compare to the cost of living in the country?

While tuition fees at Indonesian universities are rising, the minimum wage (UMP) in regions like Yogyakarta has not increased at a similar pace, exacerbating the financial burden on students who are already struggling with high living costs.

What international examples are cited as alternatives for affordable higher education?

Countries like Germany, Norway, Mexico, France, and Turkey are highlighted as examples where higher education is much more affordable compared to Indonesia. In Germany, for instance, students can attend university for about 250 Euros per semester, and in Norway, most universities offer free education.

What solutions are suggested for Indonesian youth struggling with high education costs?

The transcript suggests that Indonesian youth consider seeking scholarships or pursuing higher education abroad in countries with more affordable tuition fees, such as Germany or Norway, as alternatives to expensive local universities.