Indonesia's Sandwich Generation Struggle Under Financial Pressure | Money Mind | Indonesia

Summary

The video highlights the struggles of Indonesia's 'sandwich generation,' young adults burdened with supporting both their elderly parents and children. Despite working multiple jobs, many, like Anna and Dhaman, face financial stress, with 40% of their income going to family support. Cultural factors, such as a lack of elderly pensions and the expectation to care for aging parents, add to the pressure. These challenges often lead to intergenerational poverty and mental health issues, with few resources available for support. The video underscores the need for societal and systemic change to help alleviate these burdens.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anna, a 33-year-old from Jakarta, balances her full-time finance job with running a small home-based snack shop selling Indonesian foods like pizan and chocolate spring rolls.
• 😀 The 'sandwich generation' in Indonesia refers to people who financially support both their elderly parents and their children, with 56 million people in this situation.
• 😀 Two out of three working adults in Indonesia belong to the sandwich generation, most of whom are under 40 years old.
• 😀 A recent survey showed that over 40% of young Indonesian adults face significant financial challenges due to supporting family members.
• 😀 The financial struggles of the sandwich generation can have a wider societal impact, potentially contributing to intergenerational poverty.
• 😀 Mental health is a major concern for Indonesia's sandwich generation, yet many people do not have access to adequate support due to cultural stigma and high costs.
• 😀 Mental health problems are often hidden, with little community or institutional support available for those in need of help.
• 😀 Dhaan, a 28-year-old from Jakarta, has been supporting his family since starting work, with 40% of his income going to his parents and younger sister’s education.
• 😀 Dhaan aims to break the cycle of poverty by helping his sister pursue higher education so she can contribute to the family’s financial future.
• 😀 Cultural norms in Indonesia often prevent the sandwich generation from seeking independence, as many still rely on family for support, especially elderly care.
• 😀 A survey revealed that most Indonesian households with elderly depend on financial support from working relatives, while only 6% of the elderly have pensions to cover their needs.

Q & A

What is the sandwich generation in Indonesia?

The sandwich generation refers to people who are financially responsible for both their elderly parents and their own children. In Indonesia, an estimated two out of three working adults belong to this generation.

What financial challenges does the sandwich generation face in Indonesia?

The sandwich generation in Indonesia faces significant financial pressures due to the need to support both their elderly parents and children. Many of them struggle to balance their budgets and provide adequate financial support, often working multiple jobs to make ends meet.

How does being part of the sandwich generation impact mental health?

Many members of the sandwich generation experience mental health issues due to the financial and emotional stress they endure. However, mental health is often stigmatized, and individuals may not receive the support they need to cope with these challenges.

What percentage of Indonesian households with elderly members rely on financial support from relatives?

According to a recent survey, the majority of Indonesian households with elderly members rely on financial support from working relatives, highlighting the dependence on the younger generation to care for aging parents.

How does cultural attitude toward elderly care affect the financial burden on the sandwich generation?

Cultural norms in Indonesia discourage placing elderly parents in nursing homes, increasing the financial burden on the sandwich generation, as they are expected to care for their elderly family members at home.

What is the role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty for the sandwich generation?

Education plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty for the sandwich generation. For example, Dhan supports his sister’s education, believing that higher education will help her avoid the same financial struggles he faces and contribute to the family's future prosperity.

What is the estimated number of people in Indonesia who belong to the sandwich generation?

It is estimated that around 56 million people in Indonesia belong to the sandwich generation, with the majority being under the age of 40.

What are the societal implications of the financial strain on the sandwich generation?

The financial strain on the sandwich generation can lead to intergenerational poverty, where younger generations lack the resources to improve their situation, perpetuating a cycle of dependence and limiting social mobility.

How does the lack of pension funds for elderly Indonesians affect the sandwich generation?

Only 6% of elderly Indonesians have pension funds that cover their needs, meaning the sandwich generation is often the sole provider of financial support, placing a heavy burden on them and complicating their ability to secure their own financial future.

What steps can the government take to alleviate the financial pressures faced by the sandwich generation?

The government could improve social security systems, expand access to healthcare, and promote financial literacy to help the sandwich generation manage their financial responsibilities and reduce the risk of intergenerational poverty.