M. Raihan Muzzaki, Jakarta – The Ministry of Manpower responded to the trending hashtag #KaburAjaDulu that has been widely discussed by the public on social media. Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan did not see any issue with the hashtag.
"It's okay, we don't mind the hashtags," said Immanuel when met at the Ministry of Village and Underdeveloped Regions Development, Central Jakarta, on Monday, February 17, 2025.
He didn't comment much on the hashtag. Immanuel allowed Indonesian citizens who want to migrate from Indonesia. However, he urged those who have left not to come back to Indonesia.
"If you want to leave, just leave. If necessary, don't come back," said Immanuel Ebenezer.
Meanwhile, the trending hashtag reflects the disappointment of Indonesian citizens towards the increasingly chaotic economic, social, and justice conditions within the country, including budget cuts.
Responding to the viral spread of the #KaburAjaDulu, the Director of Citizen Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha, said that every citizen has the right to move abroad as long as they comply with applicable terms and conditions.
"The invitation to work abroad is the right of every citizen. However, it is essential to follow legal and safe procedures," said Judha during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Jakarta on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
The Chair of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Sultan Najamudin expressed regret over the emergence of the call to move abroad through the #KaburAjaDulu circulating on social media.
He considered this trend to be inconsistent with the values of struggle that have long been embraced by Indonesian youth.
"(Indonesian youth) do not have the DNA to easily surrender to the situation. This nation was fought for and built by young people," said Sultan in an official statement on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Nevertheless, Sultan still viewed the emergence of the invitation to move to another country not as bad as what was thought. According to him, this invitation is just a call for Indonesian youth to have a career abroad.
"We believe that #KaburAjaDulu is actually an invitation and opportunity that allows young Indonesians to have a career abroad," Sultan said.
– Vedro Imanuel Girsang and Melynda Dwi Puspita contributed to the making of this article.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1976501/deputy-minister-says-dont-come-back-as-kaburajadulu-gains-tractio