It all started with a post on the social media platform X, where an account revealed that job openings for domestic helpers and babysitters are now flooded with applicants with university degrees. The post quickly went viral, sparking public criticism over the government’s lack of attention to job availability.
The shortage of job opportunities has long been a persistent issue with no sign of resolution.
With Indonesia set to experience a surge in working-age population by 2030, this demographic bonus poses a serious concern, as the current workforce is struggling to find employment.
As a result, many are forced to work in the informal sector or take on jobs that do not match their qualifications.
Dian Fatmawati, a Social Development and Welfare lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), highlighted a number of challenges and threats that may arise if this lack of job opportunities persists amid the coming demographic wave.
According to her, the demographic bonus’s surge in the labor force is a natural consequence. Unfortunately, the government has not utilized this to its fullest extent.
“Between 2020 and 2030, we have a massive labor force, but rather than seeing a rise in job availability, the trend is actually declining,” she said on Tuesday, Apr. 8, 2025.
She pointed out several real-life examples, such as Gen Z’s struggle to find employment and the recent wave of mass layoffs, as signs of a worsening labor market.
In her view, the current economic and political situation is far from favorable for job creation.
The economy is sluggish, purchasing power is decreasing, producers are earning less, and people’s incomes are low.
“If this cycle continues, Indonesia may face an economic crisis,” she explained.
The impacts of limited job opportunities vary across different social groups.
Those with the financial means to upskill or pursue further education might still manage to survive.
Meanwhile, those who rely on income from employment are significantly disadvantaged, putting them at risk of falling into a skill trap.
“They are forced to work in sectors unrelated to their competencies, often accepting jobs below their qualifications. This is the phenomenon we call a skill trap,” she elaborated.
Fatmawati further explained that a skill trap is a condition where individuals don’t develop or utilize competencies in their field of expertise.
It often results from the lack of platforms to train or manage their skills.
People work solely to survive, without opportunities for career development.
This phenomenon helps explain the rising trend of informal workers year after year.
According to Statistics Indonesia data, in 2019, the number of informal sector workers reached 74.09 million (57.27% of the population).
By 2024, that number increased to 84.13 million (59.17%).
“Almost 60% of our population is self-employed, not by choice, but because there are no job openings. We do have Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), but in this economic climate, even MSMEs are struggling to stay afloat,” she said.
She also addressed the viral hashtag #KaburAjaDulu, which reflected the public’s response to the difficulty of finding jobs in Indonesia, with many opting to seek employment abroad.
Several other countries are currently facing labor shortages due to their aging populations.
Migrant work has long been a popular option among Indonesians.
According to her, countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan, which are dealing with aging demographics, could present promising opportunities for Indonesian workers.
“Migrant workers are often referred to as ‘foreign exchange heroes’ because they contribute to the country’s revenue. While many available jobs are low-skilled, I believe plenty of high-skilled roles exist. This makes labor migration a debatable but viable option,” she said.
To fully optimize labor migration, Fatmawati emphasized the need for the government to facilitate this process by providing training, selecting appropriate destination countries and industries, and ensuring migrant worker protection.
She hopes that the government will enact policies that support economic and political stability while protecting the interests of all social classes.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Image: Freepik
Post-editor: Lintang Andwynajob openings for domestic helpers and babysitters are now flooded with applicants with university degrees.