Boomer parents believe in the "Jaman dulu" (the old days)—respect your boss, keep your head down, and get a government job ( PNS ). The updated ABG believes in "quiet quitting," work-life balance, and boundaries .
Let’s dive into the seven seismic shifts redefining Indonesia’s youth culture. Perhaps the most significant update to the ABG cultural code is the destigmatization of mental health. A decade ago, stress or depresi were taboo, hushed topics often dismissed as "kurang iman" (lack of faith). video abg mesum updated
But the ABG of 2025 is not the ABG of 2015. The old stereotype of the ABG was a mall-crawling, selfie-obsessed teen whose biggest worry was PDKT (Pendekatan, or the art of approaching a crush). Today, the ABG updated is a socio-political powerhouse. They are climate activists, digital unionists, and guardians of local wisdom, all while scrolling through TikTok and Spotify. Boomer parents believe in the "Jaman dulu" (the
In the dynamic landscape of Southeast Asia, Indonesia stands as a colossus of transformation. With a population exceeding 280 million, nearly 35% of its citizens are Gen Z and younger Millennials. In local slang, they are often referred to as — Anak Baru Gede (Newly Grown Kids), typically referring to teenagers and young adults. Perhaps the most significant update to the ABG
They have turned ngopi (coffee shop culture) into a networking hub. They have turned nonton drakor (watching K-dramas) into a study of narrative capitalism. They have turned meme into a legitimate form of political commentary.
By Rania Maharani, Cultural Commentator
Boomer parents believe in the "Jaman dulu" (the old days)—respect your boss, keep your head down, and get a government job ( PNS ). The updated ABG believes in "quiet quitting," work-life balance, and boundaries .
Let’s dive into the seven seismic shifts redefining Indonesia’s youth culture. Perhaps the most significant update to the ABG cultural code is the destigmatization of mental health. A decade ago, stress or depresi were taboo, hushed topics often dismissed as "kurang iman" (lack of faith).
But the ABG of 2025 is not the ABG of 2015. The old stereotype of the ABG was a mall-crawling, selfie-obsessed teen whose biggest worry was PDKT (Pendekatan, or the art of approaching a crush). Today, the ABG updated is a socio-political powerhouse. They are climate activists, digital unionists, and guardians of local wisdom, all while scrolling through TikTok and Spotify.
In the dynamic landscape of Southeast Asia, Indonesia stands as a colossus of transformation. With a population exceeding 280 million, nearly 35% of its citizens are Gen Z and younger Millennials. In local slang, they are often referred to as — Anak Baru Gede (Newly Grown Kids), typically referring to teenagers and young adults.
They have turned ngopi (coffee shop culture) into a networking hub. They have turned nonton drakor (watching K-dramas) into a study of narrative capitalism. They have turned meme into a legitimate form of political commentary.
By Rania Maharani, Cultural Commentator