IFPI (2020). Global Music Report 2020 . International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.
Don't let the relaxed vibe fool you. They are deeply passionate about sustainability, inclusivity, and mental health support in the workplace.
A major trend is "Ramadan vlogging" and modish modest fashion, where young creators connect Islamic identity with modern trends, showing a unique fusion of faith and fashion. IFPI (2020)
The mencecer culture (scouring thrift stores) has gone mainstream. But unlike Western thrifting, which is often about sustainability, Indonesian thrifting is about identity hacking . Because international fast fashion brands are expensive relative to local income, youth raid import thrift markets in Bandung (like Pasar Cimol) for vintage Harley Davidson tees, 90s Japanese anime hoodies, and discarded US college sweaters. They are not just wearing clothes; they are curating chaotic, ironic layers that defy the conservative uniform of the office worker.
Because Twitter (X) has become a toxic political battlefield, Gen Z is retreating to private Discord servers and Telegram channels dedicated to hyper-specific hobbies: Lokalnya (local music scenes), Fansub (anime subtitle groups), and Forex/Crypto trading circles. In these gated communities, trends are born and die within 48 hours. A slang term invented in a Surabaya Discord server can be on a national TV soap opera within a month. Don't let the relaxed vibe fool you
Malls are dying for Gen Z. Their new "hangout" spot is the or the Twitter (X) Space .
Social media has fueled a massive wave of nationalism, where youth actively promote domestic brands over foreign competitors. The mencecer culture (scouring thrift stores) has gone
Relying on a single 9-to-5 job is seen as risky. Indonesian youth actively pursue freelance gigs, content creation, affiliate marketing, or small e-commerce businesses to diversify their income.
Streetwear remains a dominant force, but its expression among Indonesian youth has shifted toward high-concept subcultures and a proud reclamation of traditional textiles.
Music plays a significant role in Indonesian youth culture, with genres like dangdut (a fusion of traditional Indonesian music and modern styles) and pop being extremely popular. Indonesian music artists like Isyana Sarasvati, Rizky Febian, and Maudy Ayunda are household names, and their songs often top the charts. K-pop and Western music are also widely popular among young Indonesians, who enjoy dancing and singing along to their favorite tunes.