Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country, has a vibrant and dynamic youth culture. The country's young population, aged 15-24, accounts for approximately 21% of the total population. This report provides an overview of Indonesian youth culture and trends, highlighting their values, interests, and behaviors.
To understand Indonesian youth, you must first understand nongkrong —the art of hanging out with no specific agenda. Traditionally done in coffee shops or street stalls, nongkrong has migrated to the cloud.
Yet, to assume this generation is purely Westernized or materialistic is a profound misunderstanding. Indonesian youth are masters of cultural bricolage , deftly mixing global trends with local traditions. For instance, the hyper-popularity of Korean dramas and cuisine has not replaced nasi goreng or dangdut music; rather, it has created hybrids. A typical teen might listen to a K-pop girl group in the morning, then vibe to the melancholic strumming of a pantura (north coast Javanese) band in the afternoon. In fashion, the urban hijab movement has exploded, where a woman in a tailored blazer and flowing maxi skirt pairs her headscarf with chunky sneakers and a Batak ulos scarf. This is not assimilation; it is curation. They are pulling from a global palette to create a distinctly Indonesian, hyper-modern self.
For the 90% of Indonesian youth who are Muslim, culture is a negotiation between global trends and religious values. (PDF) Youth culture and Islam in Indonesia - ResearchGate