The #KaburAjaDulu Trend: Why Are Indonesians Talking About Moving Abroad?

Summary

The video explores the rising trend of Indonesians contemplating leaving the country, driven by dissatisfaction with the government and various social issues. The hashtag #KaburAjaDulu, meaning 'just leave for now', gained popularity on social media, symbolizing the frustration of citizens. Despite this, working abroad is not a new phenomenon, with many Indonesians migrating for better opportunities, especially during periods of national unrest. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared, both mentally and physically, for those considering emigration. They highlight the need for skills, language proficiency, and proper legal documentation to ensure a smooth transition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'kabur aja dulu' refers to moving abroad due to dissatisfaction with government actions in Indonesia.
• 😀 The expression gained popularity on social media in early 2025, highlighting issues like energy scarcity, economic challenges, and freedom restrictions.
• 😀 The 'kabur aja dulu' phenomenon is not new, with a similar wave of migration occurring during the 1997-1998 monetary crisis.
• 😀 According to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 488,000 Indonesians worked abroad in 2023, while 74,000 pursued further education overseas.
• 😀 Despite the migration trend, many Indonesian migrant workers continue to make significant contributions to the national economy through remittances, totaling 227 trillion rupiah annually.
• 😀 The Indonesian government's awareness of the social media movement highlights the broader societal concerns about migration and dissatisfaction.
• 😀 The government reports that Indonesian migrant workers are one of the highest contributors to foreign exchange, ranking just behind the oil and gas sector.
• 😀 There is a large demand for migrant workers, with 1.3 million job orders available abroad in 2024.
• 😀 Moving abroad is not easy, and individuals should be well-prepared with skills, language proficiency, and mental strength.
• 😀 The migration process should follow legal procedures to ensure the protection of workers, with attention to the required documents and official channels.
• 😀 The script concludes with a lighter moment where the speaker humorously clarifies their personal travel plans to Bali for relaxation, not for migration.

Q & A

What does the phrase 'kabur aja dulu' mean, and why has it become popular on Indonesian social media?

'Kabur aja dulu' translates to 'just escape for now.' It has gained popularity on social media as a reflection of dissatisfaction among Indonesians with various government actions, including energy scarcity, budget issues, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

What historical event is being referenced when comparing the current situation with the 'kabur aja dulu' movement?

The current situation is compared to the 1997-1998 monetary crisis, during which many Indonesians also migrated abroad due to economic instability and social unrest in the country.

How many Indonesians work abroad, and how much do they contribute to the country's economy?

In 2023, over 488,000 Indonesians worked abroad. These migrant workers made a significant contribution to the national economy, with remittances totaling 227 trillion rupiahs.

What is the role of Indonesian migrant workers in the country's foreign exchange generation?

Indonesian migrant workers are one of the highest contributors to the country's foreign exchange, second only to the oil and gas sector.

What is the expected number of job opportunities abroad for Indonesians in 2024?

In 2024, there are expected to be 1.3 million job opportunities for Indonesians abroad.

What advice does the speaker give to those considering working abroad?

The speaker advises individuals to ensure they are well-prepared by acquiring necessary skills, mastering foreign languages, and maintaining strong mental resilience. It is also important to follow the legal procedures set by the Indonesian government.

What challenges might individuals face when working abroad, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that working abroad is not as simple as it may seem. It requires careful preparation, including learning skills and languages, as well as being mentally prepared to face the challenges of life in a foreign country.

Why is it important to follow the legal procedures when working abroad?

Following the legal procedures is crucial to ensure the safety and protection of Indonesian workers abroad. The government is responsible for safeguarding its citizens, whether they are working or not in another country.

What does the speaker think about the idea of 'escaping' to another country?

The speaker does not fully support the idea of simply escaping. While they understand the frustrations that drive people to think about leaving, they emphasize that such a decision requires thorough preparation and should not be taken lightly.

How does the speaker personally respond to the 'kabur aja dulu' movement?

The speaker humorously shares that they are not going to leave Indonesia but are instead going to Bali for some sunshine and vitamin C, using this as a lighthearted response to the trending sentiment.