Legal Literacy - In this modern era, the voices of young people are becoming increasingly important in shaping the social and political direction of a country. With increased access to information and technology, the younger generation is not only becoming spectators but also key actors in social change. However, amidst various complex socio-political issues, a phenomenon emerges: "escape for now" as a form of response to circumstances deemed unfavorable. In this article, we will discuss how the critical voices of young people play a role in the current socio-political context, as well as the challenges they face.
Dissatisfaction with the Political System
One of the main reasons behind the "escape for now" phenomenon is dissatisfaction with the existing political system. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2023, public trust in political institutions such as the DPR (People's Representative Council) and political parties experienced a significant decline, reaching 45% of total respondents. This indicates that many young people feel that their voices are not heard in political decision-making.
A real example of this dissatisfaction can be seen in the protest movements carried out by young people in various regions. For example, demonstrations that took place in 2022 demanded transparency in elections and the reduction of corruption. They feel that the existing system is unable to meet the needs and aspirations of the younger generation. Thus, "escape for now" becomes an option for some young people who feel that change is not possible within the existing system.
Economic and Employment Difficulties
Amidst political uncertainty, economic conditions also become a driving factor for young people to "escape". Data from the Ministry of Manpower shows that in 2023, the unemployment rate among young people reached 19.1%, much higher than the national average of only 5.9%. This creates great pressure for the younger generation to seek opportunities abroad.
One striking example is the increasing number of Indonesian migrant workers. According to data from the Directorate General of Immigration, in 2024, there were approximately 1.5 million migrant workers who went abroad, with the majority coming from young people. They seek better and more stable jobs, hoping to change their fate. In this context, "escape for now" is not just a phrase, but a reality for many young people who want to improve their economic conditions.
Information Access and Social Awareness
The development of information technology also plays a role in raising social awareness among young people. With social media, they can easily access information about socio-political issues happening at home and abroad. Data from Statista shows that in 2023, around 85% of young people in Indonesia actively used social media as their primary source of information.
This awareness encourages them to be more critical of the socio-political situation in their country. For example, the #BlackLivesMatter movement that emerged worldwide also inspired Indonesian youth to speak out about issues of injustice in the country. They use social media platforms to voice opinions and organize protests. In this case, "kabur aja dulu" can be interpreted as an act of distancing oneself from problems that are considered unsolvable, while they seek alternative solutions through social movements.
Mental and Emotional Challenges
In addition to economic and political factors, mental and emotional challenges are also a reason for young people to choose to "kabur". According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn in 2023, around 60% of young people admitted to experiencing stress due to prolonged social and economic pressures. These mental health issues are often overlooked, but greatly influence their decision to leave unsatisfactory situations.
Many young people feel trapped in monotonous routines that offer no hope for the future. They feel that even if they struggle in the country, the results obtained are not commensurate with the effort expended. In this context, "kabur aja dulu" becomes a way to escape the perceived pressure, although it does not always lead to a better solution.
Hope for Change
Although many young people choose to "kabur", there is still hope for change in the country. Many of them continue to strive to create a better environment, whether through education, activism, or entrepreneurship. Data from the Ministry of Manpower shows that in 2024, there was a 15% increase in the number of young entrepreneurs in Indonesia, indicating that young people are starting to look for alternatives to create their own jobs.
An inspiring example can be seen in social movements led by young people, such as community empowerment programs that focus on education and skills. They not only strive to improve their own conditions, but also contribute to broader social change. In this case, "kabur aja dulu" can be interpreted as a temporary step to find a better space, before returning to fight for change in the homeland.
Conclusion
The "escape first" phenomenon reflects the critical voice of young people amidst complex socio-political issues. Dissatisfaction with the political system, economic hardship, access to information, mental challenges, and hopes for change are factors influencing their decisions. Although many choose to leave, there are still a handful of young people who are striving to create change from within. Therefore, it is important for us to listen to and understand their voices, as well as create space for the active participation of the younger generation in building a better future.
References
- Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). (2023). Social and Economic Statistics Report.
- Ministry of Manpower. (2023). Unemployment Data in Indonesia.
- Directorate General of Immigration. (2024). Indonesian Migrant Worker Statistics.
- Statista. (2023). Social Media Usage in Indonesia.
- LinkedIn. (2023). Mental Health Survey Among Young People.
Comments (0)
Write a comment