Generations Shift: Gen Z Now Rules Indonesia, Gen Alpha Poised to Overtake

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesia’s population structure is now led by Generation Z. Behind them, the youngest age group is growing rapidly and already approaching one-fifth of the population.

According to the BPS report, Generation Z accounts for 24.93% of the total population. The difference is slim with Millennials at 24.34%. Trailing them, the younger group, often called post-Generation Z or Generations Alpha and Beta, has reached 19.65%. This figure has surged compared to the 2020 Census, which was still around 13%.

This change coincides with population growth. From 237.64 million in 2010, the figure rose to 270.20 million in 2020, then surpassed 284.67 million in 2025. Growth continues, but the shifting age composition is altering the direction of the economy.

Large numbers of young age groups are entering the population structure. At the same time, older generations are shrinking in proportion. Baby Boomers have dropped to 10.31%, pre-Boomers to just 1.07%. Generation X is also beginning to contract to 19.70%. This is changing the centre of gravity for consumption, the workforce, and economic preferences.

The proportion of older age groups is increasingly shrinking. Baby Boomers have fallen to 10.31%, pre-Boomers to 1.07%. Generation X stands at 19.70%. This data shifts the age distribution centre towards younger groups compared to a decade ago.

Looking back, the 2020 Population Census placed Generation Z as the largest group at 26.46%, followed by Millennials at 25.80%. At that time, Generation Alpha was around 13%. This means that in five years, the young composition has become denser in the lower layers.

Age ranges clarify the picture. In 2025, Generation Z is in the 13-28 age range. Generation Alpha is still in child to early teenage years. Meanwhile, Millennials are entering mature productive age, 29-44 years.

In the near-term horizon, young age groups will continue to grow in absolute terms. In the longer horizon, the current wave in early ages will move up to productive ages.

How will the capacity of education, the job market, and public policy adapt to the new age distribution? Indonesia’s current age map is younger than a decade ago, with two major layers under 30 years old.