Man: They say that most Indonesians like films with happy endings...
Woman: Life is already full of problems... it's reasonable wanting to escape reality for a little while...
According to a new survey by global market research firm Ipsos, corruption, unemployment and social inequality are the top issues worrying Indonesians in the first half of 2025.
The report found a decline in public optimism about the economy over the past two months, with the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) falling by 9.6 points from the previous period.
The Ipsos study revealed that 68 percent of Indonesians cited financial and political corruption as their main concern, followed by unemployment (55 percent) and social inequality (47 percent) – all well above global averages.
"Indonesians remain more cautious about the economy and the job market, reflecting declining optimism regarding their personal financial situation", Ipsos Indonesia Managing Director Hansal Savla told the Jakarta Globe.
According to Ipsos, positive perceptions of the economy have declined across all age groups. Only 48 percent of millennials and 34 percent of Gen Z respondents said Indonesia's economy is currently "good", while a majority – 53 percent of millennials and 66 percent of Gen Z – rated it "bad". Nearly half (49 percent) were unsure whether their personal finances would improve in the next six months.
Half of respondents (52 percent) believe "society is currently in a fragile state", with income inequality (80 percent) seen as the main source of social tension. Differences between liberal and traditional values (61 percent) also remain divisive.
On economic expectations, 69 percent anticipate rising inflation, 63 percent worry about higher interest rates and 54 percent expect an increase in taxes this year.
The survey was conducted online among more than 25,000 adults aged 16-74 across 30 countries, including Indonesia. The local sample of around 1,000 respondents was collected between July and August 2025 and adjusted to represent Indonesia's demographic profile.
[Abridged from an October 31 article by the Jakarta Globe titled "Social inequality, corruption, and job fears shape public mood in Indonesia: Ipsos".]
