Indonesia is home to one of the most vibrant and dynamic youth populations in the world. With over 80 million people under the age of 30 (roughly 30% of the total population), the country is experiencing a demographic bonus that is reshaping its social, economic, and cultural landscape. Unlike previous generations, modern Indonesian youth—often called "Gen Z" and "Millennials" —are the first to grow up entirely in the post-Reformasi era (post-1998) and the age of the internet.
TikTok has turned thrifting (second) into a competitive sport. The hashtag #thriftinghaul has billions of views. Why? The economy. But also, the desire for "unique" identity. Youth dig through bins for vintage 90s Nike windbreakers or old Batik shirts to upcycle.
Forget following global fast fashion. Indonesian youth are rejecting Western trends in favor of a "hyper-local" identity. They are remixing traditional textiles with streetwear in a movement known as "Modest Streetwear" or Sartia (Local Sartorial).