Indonesian Gen Z and Millennials: The World's Most AI-Ready Workers
Marketing.co.id – Digital News | Indonesian Gen Z and Millennials are among the most AI-ready young workers in the world. The rate of AI usage in daily work even surpasses the global average. Yet behind this high enthusiasm lies a wide gap in provision of adequate training by companies.
The findings were disclosed in the latest Deloitte Indonesia report titled 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, which involved more than 22,500 respondents from 44 countries, including over 500 respondents from Indonesia.
AI Usage in Indonesia Surpasses Global Average
A total of 87% of Gen Z and 88% of Millennials in Indonesia say they have used AI in their daily work activities. This figure is much higher than the global average of 74% for both generations.
Not only is AI used as a tool to support operations, Indonesian young workers also leverage it for long-term career development. They use AI to search for learning opportunities, obtain career advice, and help manage workplace stress.
Despite this, training limitations remain the main challenge. Gen Z in Indonesia regard the lack of effective training opportunities as the biggest obstacle to AI utilization. Meanwhile, Millennials cite a lack of experience and practical knowledge as the primary constraints.
In addition to skills, corporate compliance rules are also seen as limiting AI use in the workplace. Consequently, digital literacy and the ability to operate AI-based automation are the most sought-after skills by Indonesian respondents.
“Australian or Indonesian? The Indonesian workforce has proven to be one step ahead of global trends in AI mastery. However, our talent could fall behind if companies do not invest to maintain this edge,” he said.
Meaning of Work as a Primary Factor
The report also shows that the sense of purpose at work has become the main consideration for Indonesian young workers. A total of 99% of Gen Z and 100% of Millennials say work that has purpose and meaning is very important for job satisfaction. In addition, 44% of Gen Z and 38% of Millennials say they have declined tasks or job offers that did not align with their personal values.
Interpersonal relationships at work also play a major role in retention. 75% of Gen Z and 88% of Millennials say they have colleagues who are considered close friends.
Aspiring to Lead, but Worried About Burnout
Interest in leadership positions is high. 85% of Gen Z and 81% of Millennials in Indonesia say they are interested in taking on leadership roles in the future, higher than the global average.
Indonesia also records relatively high leadership experience among its young workers. Currently, 59% of Gen Z and 79% of Millennials in Indonesia have leadership experience in managing teams. However, only 3% of Gen Z and 2% of Millennials currently regard leadership as their main career goal.
Corruption as the Major Concern
Contrary to global trends dominated by cost-of-living issues, Indonesian young workers regard corruption in business and politics as their biggest social concern, cited by 34% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials. Climate change and environmental preservation also feature among the top five concerns.
The findings suggest that Indonesia’s younger generation is increasingly focused on governance, integrity, and accountability of the institutions where they work.
Iwan said companies are now expected to be more adaptive to the changing values of the younger generation. “Gen Z and Millennials in Indonesia have proven that the meaning of work is not just value-add; it is the main benchmark in recruitment and retention in a company,” he concluded.