In the wake of the pandemic, a novel aesthetic dubbed “Future Nostalgia” is taking shape, coined by the international pop sensation Dua Lipa on her second album. This concept is a blend of futuristic atmospheres and the nostalgic elements of past pop and subcultures, reimagining them for a new generation. In a striking revival, neon-like […]

Illusion of control, gamification, and economic anxiety in Indonesia’s gambling and gaming boom In the early 2000s, sales of a famous ice cream bar surged in Indonesia thanks to a prize quiz. Anyone who managed to collect a specified number of ice cream sticks featuring the PlayStation logo would win the latest PlayStation. Young people […]

The rise of digital dreams Long before the Covid-19 pandemic, the global market was enthusiastically embracing the digital technology boom in the late 90s. Dotcom companies were prime investment targets, and in 1999, computers worldwide were running on Intel Pentium III processors, flash drives were newly introduced, Napster made its debut offering free mp3 uploads, […]

Young Activism in the Issue of Palestine Contrasting Streams of Movement from the Early 2000s to 2024 In the early 2000s, there was an indirect relation between the Intifada movement in Palestine and the youth movement in Indonesia. This relation was characterized by Islamic and ideological solidarity. During the early 2000s, Indonesia was undergoing a […]

Embracing Indonesia’s Gold Era Alongside Vibrant Z/Neo-Alpha Generation The world has yet to fully grasp the true character of the millennial generation. However, there is now an urgent need to delve into who exactly Generation Z (Gen Z) is. Gen Z is believed to have distinct characteristics compared to millennials, a view that has gained […]

Indonesia’s Collective Spaces: Youth Identity and Social Dynamics Since approximately 2017, a multitude of alternative and collective spaces have begun to sprout across Indonesia, catering to its youthful populace. This surge in spatial diversity aligns seamlessly with the presence of social media and content creators in urban centers nationwide. Concurrently, governmental endorsement of digital start-ups […]

Understanding the Distinction between Skena Culture and Gaul Culture In the wake of Indonesia’s 1998 reformation, a wave of social and political changes swept the nation, notably decentralization. This shift granted regions autonomy in development, aiming to curb central government power abuse. Consequently, the influence of the capital city waned, affecting the landscape of youth […]

Securing Indonesian Gen Z Talent in the Corporate World According to the 2020 population census, the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency reveals a notable trend: the country’s demographic landscape is largely shaped by Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) and Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996). Remarkably, Generation Z constitutes a significant 27.94 percent […]

Dangdut Koplo Noise Trend and the Post-Pandemic Generation Dangdut koplo with digital instrument overlays almost always tops the TikTok charts in Indonesia. In the first week of March, the songs “Hands Crossed” by Adryan Lihayan and “Loca Loca” by DJ Lagu entered the top 10 on Tokchart.com. Both are dangdut Koplo songs with fast drum […]

Unpacking the Cultural Significance of Cuteness (“Lucu”) Among Indonesian Youth In the present world of Indonesian youth vernacular, the phrases “unyu” and “lucu” exert tremendous impact, serving as social shorthand for charm and humor. These linguistic pearls glide lightly across the complexity of teenage contact, altering perceptions and building relationships in the ever-changing world of […]