Jakarta – A recent study has highlighted a concerning trend in Indonesia: children's career aspirations are becoming increasingly narrow, with many now aspiring to be content creators, YouTubers, or influencers. The study, conducted by the Indonesia Health Development Center (IHDC), surveyed over 1,000 children aged 7-12 across five major cities, including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan.
The findings show that over 60% of respondents chose digital-based professions as their top career choice, a significant increase from previous years. This shift is attributed to the pervasive influence of social media and the lack of exposure to diverse career options. Dr. Ratna Sari, a child psychologist at the University of Indonesia, noted, 'Children are mirroring what they see online, and without proper guidance, their imagination for future possibilities is shrinking.'
The study also found that only 12% of children aspired to traditional professions like doctors, teachers, or engineers, down from 30% a decade ago. This trend raises concerns about the future workforce and the need for more comprehensive career education in schools.
Experts recommend that parents and educators actively introduce children to a wider range of careers, including those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), to broaden their horizons. The government is also urged to collaborate with media platforms to promote diverse role models.
