Jakarta, the hashtag #Kaburajadulu suddenly stole the attention on social media X in early February 2025 However, behind the implicit pessimistic tone, this phenomenon actually opens interesting discussion opportunities about the future of Indonesia, especially in terms of the development of Human Resources (HR) and the role of the diaspora.
From anxiety to the opportunity
The hashtag #Kaburajadulu initially emerged as an expression of concerns of the younger generation of various challenges in Indonesia, ranging from economic problems, education, to employment. However, this hashtag does not only stop as an expression of resentment. Many netizens, including more senior Indonesian diaspora, use it to share information about study opportunities, careers, and life abroad.
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Technology (Wamendiktisaintek), Prof. Stella Christie, see this phenomenon from a more optimistic perspective. According to him, the desire to “run away” is not always negative. “If we look deeper, this can be an opportunity to develop the ability of individuals abroad, which in turn can contribute to Indonesia,” he said at the Naratama event at Menara Kompas, Jakarta.
Diaspora as a global force
Prof. Stella stressed the importance of the Diaspora’s role in advancing Indonesia. He took an example of a country like India and China, which has proven how their diaspora contributed greatly to economic growth, science, and technology in the country of origin.
“Just look at Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft from India. He was not only successful in the United States, but also opened a lot of employment for Indians, even encouraging work offshoring to India, “he explained.
In Indonesia, although the number of diaspora is still relatively small compared to India or China, Prof. Stella appreciated their contribution. Many Indonesian diaspora who actively guide students from the country, open an international research network, and introduce career opportunities abroad.
Brain Circulation, Bukan Brain Drain
One of the concerns that often arises is the potential of brain drain, or the loss of Indonesian superior talents abroad. However, Prof. Stella asserted that the phenomenon that occurs today is more accurately referred to as Brain Circulation.
“Brain Circulation is a concept in which the superior talents of a country can contribute from wherever they are. They can bring home knowledge, networks, and useful experiences for Indonesia, “he explained.
He gave an example of how the Indonesian Diaspora in the UK, China and the United States has helped bring Indonesian students and researchers to the academic and global professional circles. “This is not about going and not returning, but about building mutually beneficial collaboration,” he added.
Challenge ahead
Although optimistic, Prof. Stella acknowledged that Indonesia was still lagging behind in terms of the number of diaspora that had a strategic position abroad. Data from the Ministry of Immigration and Penitentiary shows, in the last five years, an average of 1,000 Indonesian citizens (WNI) per year releasing their citizenship status to become Singaporeans.
“This figure is not yet massive, but we need to be vigilant. Indonesia needs more diaspora that can become a nation ambassador in the global arena, “he said.
To face this challenge, Prof. Stella stressed the importance of building an attractive industry and employment in the country. “We need to create an ecosystem that can withdraw the talents that have had a career abroad,” he said.
Message for the younger generation
At the end of the conversation, Prof. Stella conveys a special message for the young generation of Indonesia. “If you choose to pursue opportunities abroad, don’t forget the homeland. Build a network, increase competence, and someday, come back to contribute to Indonesia, “he advised.
He also invited the Indonesian Diaspora who had been successful abroad to continue to actively build a country from a distance. “You are part of the power of Indonesia. From wherever you are, your contribution is very meaningful, “he said.
The #Kaburajadulu phenomenon may start from anxiety, but he has opened the door to the discussion about how Indonesia can utilize the potential of the diaspora for the progress of the nation. With the right strategy, the desire to “run away” can turn into the first step to develop a better Indonesia in the future.