From plastic-free beach cleanups to climate strikes, young Indonesians are hyper-aware of environmental degradation and actively champion sustainable lifestyles.
Music plays a vital role in Indonesian youth culture, with a thriving music scene that blends traditional and modern styles. Genres like dangdut, pop, and hip-hop are extremely popular, with local artists like Isyana Sarasvati, Rizky Febian, and Rich Chigga gaining international recognition. Indonesian youth also enjoy K-pop and J-pop, with many fans actively participating in fan communities and attending concerts.
Indonesian youth are becoming increasingly concerned about environmental issues, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Many young people are actively involved in environmental activism, participating in protests, rallies, and online campaigns. Social media has amplified the voices of young environmentalists, who are pushing for sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
: The high youth unemployment and NEET rates indicate that the formal economy is not creating enough opportunities for the massive young population entering the workforce.
For this generation, Korean culture is an ingredient , not the main dish. They are not looking for brands to simply "jump on" the K-Wave; they expect brands to understand how this fusion already happens and to participate without overpowering it. From plastic-free beach cleanups to climate strikes, young
Unlike the nihilistic hedonism of Western Gen Z, Indonesian youth are intensely pragmatic. They are acutely aware they are the —financially responsible for both their parents and their future children.
Indonesia is a young nation. With over 50% of its population under the age of 30, the country’s cultural pulse is dictated by a demographic that is hyper-connected, creatively resilient, and redefining the balance between global citizenship and local identity.
Indonesian youth are among the most digitally active citizens on the planet. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are not just entertainment hubs; they are the primary incubators for cultural trends.
Indonesian youth culture is a vibrant mix of contradictions: tech-savvy yet deeply communal, globally aware yet fiercely local. As they continue to enter the workforce and take on leadership roles, their consumption habits, digital fluency, and progressive values will inevitably rewrite the economic and cultural future of Southeast Asia. To help expand this topic, Indonesian youth also enjoy K-pop and J-pop, with
Nongkrong —the cultural practice of hanging out with no fixed agenda—is vital to youth well-being. Today, it takes place in minimalist, industrial-designed cafes where young people collaborate on startup ideas, play mobile games, or curate content for their social feeds. Entertainment: Local Pride and the Hallyu Wave
: Experts warn that social media algorithms are creating ideological isolation bubbles and hindering the development of empathy and resilience in real-world interactions. The digital "battlefield" has moved from the physical world to the metaverse, AI, and algorithms—forces that shape habits and polarize views.
This lifestyle-centric spending has a concerning underside. Research has found that 60 percent of Gen Z spend more than they earn. Many are trapped in cycles of consumer debt through "paylater" services and lifestyle loans. This has been termed "doom spending"—impulsive purchasing driven by economic anxiety and the desire for short-term gratification, amplified by targeted promotions and social media narratives.
Their top spending categories are:
What's holding back Indonesia's youth? by UN Volunteers - Exposure
Social media played a significant role in shaping Indonesian youth culture. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube were not only used for self-expression but also for social commentary and activism. Rina and her friends used their online presence to raise awareness about social issues, such as environmental conservation, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights.
The "skena" (scene) aesthetic has emerged as a powerful anti-mainstream force. It draws from specific music and art subcultures, mixing vintage pieces, thrift finds, hoodies, cargo pants, and unique accessories like chains and beanies. Layering hoodies with denim jackets or flannel shirts has become a signature look. The key is freedom—there are no strict rules, only personal expression. This aligns with broader global trends showing that Gen Z increasingly chooses outfits that reflect character, not just brand names.