APINDO reports that Gen Z is currently the largest contributor to unemployment in Indonesia. Around 67% of the total unemployed population comes from the 15–29 age group, which is equivalent to approximately 4.9 million people.
According to APINDO, many young people have shifted to informal work or the gig economy—sectors that are typically unstable and vulnerable—rather than securing formal employment.
Although official data indicates a decline in the national unemployment rate, APINDO criticizes the statistical definition of “employment,” which allows someone to be categorized as employed even if they work only one hour per week. This is seen as masking the reality that many young people are absorbed into jobs with minimal working hours and low stability, which may not align with their long-term career goals.
