Young People and the Dilemma of Minimum Salary

Tangerang, 22 July 2025 - For many young people in Indonesia, the UMR (Upah Minimum Regional) salary is often the starting point in the world of work. But with the increasing needs of life and social pressures, a UMR salary often feels insufficient. A dilemma arises: stay for the experience, or look for opportunities with higher rewards. While some choose to stay with idealism and loyalty, others take the risk to change jobs for a better salary. This phenomenon reflects the reality of young people in facing the dynamics of today's working world.

UMR salary is designed as a minimum standard to ensure the basic needs of workers, but in practice, the needs of today's youth are much more complex. From transportation costs, food, housing, to modern lifestyle demands such as internet access and entertainment all of which add to the burden of expenses. On the other hand, many companies still offer mediocre salaries with the excuse that “you are young and need experience.”

It's no wonder that many young people feel trapped between idealism and reality. Some stay because they are afraid of losing their jobs, while others choose to become freelancers or open their own businesses because they feel that the minimum wage is not enough for their future. Unfortunately, this decision is not always easy as economic risks and social pressure become challenges.

The government and industry players need to be more sensitive to this reality. A decent salary is not just a matter of nominal value, but also a matter of respecting the energy, time, and potential of young people. If there is no systemic improvement, it is not impossible that the younger generation will lose enthusiasm and trust in the formal work system.