Archive · 8 Jun 2025
Indonesia's Brain Drain Worsens as Young Indonesians Seek Opportunities
Many young, educated Indonesians are leaving the country to find better jobs and lives abroad.
This is because it's hard to find good jobs in Indonesia, especially for young people.
The government is worried because if the best and brightest leave, it will hurt the country's future by slowing down new ideas and economic growth.
Some people think it's not all bad because the people working abroad send money back home.
However, others believe that the loss of skilled workers is a major problem for Indonesia's future development.
Indonesia is experiencing an accelerating brain drain as young citizens seek opportunities abroad.
The domestic labor market and youth unemployment are key factors driving emigration.
Working Holiday Visa (WHV) programs in Australia have seen a sharp increase in Indonesian applicants.
Experts express concerns about the long-term impact on innovation and economic development.
Remittances from overseas workers offer financial benefits but may not offset long-term losses.
- Who
- Young, educated Indonesians.
- What
- Increasing emigration of young Indonesian talent.
- When
- Ongoing trend, with rising concerns in 2024 and 2025.
- Where
- Indonesia, with migration to countries like Australia and Singapore.
- Why
- Driven by better job prospects and quality of life abroad.
Pessimistic View
Optimistic View
Impact of Remittances
Pessimistic View
Remittances can't fully compensate for the long-term developmental losses from skilled worker emigration.
Optimistic View
Remittances from Indonesian workers abroad boost foreign exchange earnings.
- Youth Unemployment (2024)
- 13.1%
- Youth Unemployment (June 2025)
- 16.16%
- National Unemployment (June 2025)
- 4.76%
- Remittance Increase (2024)
- 13%
- Remittance Value (2024)
- 253 trillion rupiah ($20 billion)
- WHV Approvals (2022-2023)
- 2,984
- WHV Approvals (2023-2024)
- 4,285