Research Reveals Indonesia's Middle Class Does Not Feel Sufficient with One Job, Here's the Explanation

Jakarta, VIVA – Katadata Insight Center has released the Katadata Indonesia Middle Class Insight (KIMCI) report at the IDE Katadata Future Forum 2026. The report examines the condition of the middle class in Indonesia.

In the KIMCI report, Katadata’s Vice President of Finance & Business Development, Ivan Triyogo Priambodo, revealed findings that many in the middle class do not feel sufficient with having just one job.

“For the middle class, one source of income is no longer enough to provide certainty, so side jobs are not merely additions but a layer of security,” said Ivan, quoted from his statement on Wednesday, 15 August 2026.

According to him, this is a sign that the middle class is building a more adaptive and resilient strategy for life against uncertainties. “At the same time, consumption patterns are becoming wiser; purchasing decisions are not solely determined by the cheapest price. What is increasingly important to them is value,” he said.

Meanwhile, Katadata Insight Center Research Analyst Kholis Dana P also presented the research findings. According to him, public policies have an important role, from maintaining purchasing power, controlling living costs, expanding access to jobs, to adaptive social protection.

“The middle class is not just about protection, but about ensuring they continue to grow and contribute sustainably,” said Kholis.

The KIMCI research discusses several solutions on how the middle class can rise or at least survive amid various economic pressures. This includes utilising AI technology to support productivity, seeking information, learning new skills, and completing professional tasks. KIMCI 2026 comprehensively captures the current condition of the middle class, from consumption behaviour to economic sentiment.

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks at the IDE Katadata Future Forum 2026, Katadata Indonesia Co-founder & CEO Metta Dharmasaputra hopes that the KIMCI research can serve as a reference for various stakeholders in understanding the condition of the middle class group in Indonesia.

“Hopefully, in its second year, KIMCI can become a reference for understanding the landscape of the middle class in Indonesia,” said Metta while opening the IDE Katadata Future Forum 2026 themed “Adapting to What Comes Next” at Djakarta Theatre, Jakarta.