Another area dominated by the youth is the cryptocurrency market. The number of registered crypto investors surpassed 20 million by the end of 2025, with a massive portion falling into the 18-30 age bracket. This surge in retail adoption, even amid lower global trading volumes, highlights a generational shift toward digital-first, and often self-directed, financial management. This interest in digital finance is also spurring a wave of youth-led startups and entrepreneurship, from student-run companies to tech incubator projects.
You see this in the explosion of “Muslim Travel Vloggers” and “Hijab Street Style.” Young people are attending Pengajian (religious lectures) where the Ustadz (preacher) wears sneakers and uses a laser pointer. Apps like (which pays users to pray on time) are wildly popular. Faith is no longer just a duty; it is a lifestyle brand.
Facing a highly competitive formal job market and rising living costs, Indonesian Gen Z is redefining what it means to work. The concept of the sambilan (side hustle) has moved from a mere backup plan to a cultural norm and a source of pride. A 2024 study found that 63% of Indonesian Gen Z workers have at least one side hustle, combining gig work, selling products online, or offering digital services with their studies or primary job. The World Economic Forum echoes this, stating that over 35% of Indonesian youth are either running a business or planning to start one.
Kreativitas Gen Z dalam aksi ini sangat menonjol. Mereka lihai memanfaatkan media sosial sebagai wadah ekspresi politik, mengemas isu-isu berat menjadi konten yang lebih ringan dan viral. Gerakan seperti "Warga Jaga Warga" muncul dari ruang digital untuk solidaritas di jalanan. Selain itu, munculnya media baru seperti "What Is Up, Indonesia?" (WIUI) yang menggunakan bahasa santai dan ironis membuktikan bahwa anak muda tetap peduli pada politik, asalkan disajikan dengan cara yang relevan dengan dunia digital mereka. Another area dominated by the youth is the
The Indonesian internet collective, often referred to as Warganet (netizens), is famous for its coordinated digital campaigns. Youth use humor, memes, and viral hashtags to hold public figures and institutions accountable.
Indonesian youth are also driving the country's fashion and beauty industries. With a growing middle class and increasing access to online shopping, young Indonesians are embracing international fashion trends while also promoting local designers and brands. The rise of modest fashion, in particular, has become a significant trend, with many young Indonesian women opting for stylish and contemporary clothing that aligns with their cultural and religious values. According to a report by Euromonitor, the Indonesian fashion market is expected to grow by 10% annually from 2023 to 2028.
Gaming is a massive hobby among Indonesian youth, with many young people spending hours playing popular games like Mobile Legends and PUBG. Esports is also on the rise, with Indonesian teams competing in regional and international tournaments. The Indonesian government has even recognized esports as an official sport, paving the way for professional gamers to compete and earn prizes. This interest in digital finance is also spurring
The traditional Indonesian act of hanging out ( nongkrong ) has evolved. Aesthetic coffee shops serve as the modern youth community centers, functioning as remote workspaces, social hubs, and backdrops for curated social media feeds. 5. Mental Health and Progressive Values
One of the most defining characteristics of modern Indonesian youth culture is the "Local Pride" movement. Unlike previous generations that viewed Western or East Asian brands as status symbols, today’s youth actively champion homegrown products. Fashion and Streetwear
While Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar are popular, the true heart of Indonesian youth entertainment lies in homegrown platforms like and WeTV, combined with the king of short-form content: TikTok . Faith is no longer just a duty; it is a lifestyle brand
When they do spend their money, Gen Z's priorities are distinct. They are more likely to allocate their budgets to lifestyle categories like beauty (21%) and fashion (20%). This behavior, sometimes termed "doom spending," has actually made Gen Z a primary driver of domestic consumption, with their spending on experiences like dining out (23.6%) and entertainment (11%) propelling the national economy forward. However, they are also highly conscious consumers. Around 67% of Indonesian Gen Zs say they would reconsider or stop using a brand based on its stance on social or political issues. For them, what a brand stands for is just as important as what it sells.
Youth spend an average of 90–120 minutes per session on OTT platforms like Netflix, Vidio, and Disney+. South Korean content remains the most popular (72%), followed closely by local Indonesian productions (67%). 4. Economic Outlook & Career Indonesia Millennial and Gen Z Report 2025 - IDN Times
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On the streets of Bandung and Jakarta, you will see Cargos pants , belt chains , and digital cameras with flash. But uniquely, they pair this with kerudung (hijab) and traditional songket bags. It is a remix of 2004 and 2024.
