Medan, Indonesia (July 18, 2025) — With a youth population exceeding 44 million, Indonesia is grappling with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Asia. Recent government data shows that 16% of Indonesians aged 15 to 24 are currently out of work, more than double the rate in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.
The challenges are reflected in the story of Andreas Hutapea, a law graduate from North Sumatra, who has struggled to find employment since completing his degree two years ago. Despite multiple attempts, Hutapea failed to pass the country’s highly competitive civil service exams and was also unsuccessful in securing a trainee prosecutor position.
Before pursuing law, he hoped to join the army but did not meet the minimum height requirement.
“I thought getting a degree would make things easier,” Hutapea told Al Jazeera. “Instead, I’ve been rejected at every turn.”
With no job and dwindling finances, Hutapea returned home to live with his parents, who run a small grocery shop near Medan. He now helps run the store without a salary, relying on food and lodging from his family.
Indonesia’s large youth demographic was once viewed as a key asset for economic growth. However, a lack of job opportunities, combined with limited vocational training and economic uncertainty, has led to increased frustration and pessimism among young Indonesians.
Experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address the employment gap, the country could face long-term economic and social consequences.
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