Summary
Andreas Hutapea, a law graduate in Indonesia, has struggled to find stable employment due to high youth unemployment in the country. With a small percentage of success in civil service exams and limited job opportunities, many young Indonesians, like Hutapea, end up working in informal sectors or family businesses. Despite government efforts, youth unemployment remains a challenge in Indonesia.
Key Facts
- Andreas Hutapea graduated with a law degree but faced difficulties finding a stable job.
- He failed to pass Indonesia's tough civil service exams and could not join the army due to height requirements.
- Hutapea now works at his parents' grocery shop in Medan without a salary but receives food and lodging.
- Indonesia has high youth unemployment, affecting about 16% of young people aged 15 to 24.
- This rate of unemployment is more than double that of neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
- A survey showed young Indonesians have less confidence in the economy compared to peers in neighboring countries.
- In February 2025, student protests arose against government budget cuts for public services.
- Challenges contributing to unemployment include restrictive labor laws and low wages.
