foto: TikTok/@ilhammedi
Brilio.net - The hashtag #KaburAjaDulu emerged in early 2025 and became a symbol of the young generation's anxiety about the situation in Indonesia. Various factors such as injustice in the world of work and the difficulty of building a career in the country have made many people consider opportunities abroad. Social media has become a place for heated discussions about scholarships, job opportunities , and living conditions abroad.
Among these discussions, a netizen named @ilhammedi became the spotlight after sharing his story. He, who is a graduate, was mocked for choosing to work as a laborer in Australia. However, he did not remain silent and instead responded with facts about the salary he received.
In his post, he shared his experience working in Australia and the criticism he received from people who thought he was belittling higher education.
S1 becomes a laborer in Australia salary of Rp. 23 million per week
TikTok/@ilhammedi
"Why did you go to the trouble of studying for a bachelor's degree and end up becoming a servant in Australia?" wrote @ilhammedi, imitating one of the comments he received.
In response to the sarcasm, he replied with an explanation of the reasons for working abroad. According to him, the job market conditions in Indonesia make it difficult for many people to develop financially. He also touched on the reality of high unemployment in the country.
"Unemployment in Indonesia has reached 7.86 million, the majority of whom are Gen Z," he said in the post.
In addition, he also highlighted the very striking difference in income between working at home and abroad. He emphasized that the salary he received in Australia was much higher compared to the average salary of workers in Indonesia.
S1 becomes a laborer in Australia salary of Rp. 23 million per week
TikTok/@ilhammedi
"What kind of work in Indonesia pays 23 million a week? Are you a sandwich generation? Look for opportunities abroad," he added.
Furthermore, he also touched on the negative stigma that is often attached to migrant workers. Many people still have the perception that working abroad as a laborer is a shameful thing, when in fact it is not.
"Being looked down upon because we think they are migrant workers? What a joke, it's okay if you don't know what we are trying to build. And really sorry bro, WHV children are not migrant workers. We pay taxes not to the Indonesian government, but to OZ (Australia)," he said.
However, he also reminded that Indonesia has great potential that has not been fully utilized. According to him, many people are too focused on finding safe work without realizing the great opportunities that exist out there.
S1 becomes a laborer in Australia salary of Rp. 23 million per week
TikTok/@ilhammedi
"Many people don't know how much potential Indonesia's demographic bonus has, they are too focused on safe work," he concluded.
The post immediately caught the attention of netizens and sparked a long discussion about the realities of the working world and the choice to build a career abroad. Some netizens agreed with his views, while others still questioned the nationalism of the younger generation who prefer to work abroad.
"Sis, how do you spill it? I'm sick of looking for work in my own country," said @cloudscandyy.
"I have a relative who graduated with a law degree and is now working in Australia," said @_abiswe.
"The point is, I'm really happy every week when I see my payslip," said @aswadkarim96.
"That's so true, whv is perfect for sandwiches, Gen, bismillah on the way," said @tpr.ca.
(brl/ola)
