Study: Side Hustle Becomes a Survival Strategy Amid Economic Pressures
For many people in Indonesia, side jobs or side hustles have become a way to achieve financial goals amid rising living expenses. This phenomenon is reflected in the latest Prudential plc study, which shows that 43% of respondents in Indonesia have additional jobs outside their main employment.
On one hand, this reflects the youthful generation’s spirit to remain productive. On the other hand, it also indicates financial pressures driving them to seek extra income sources.
At the same time, family values and responsibilities remain considerations in financial decision-making. As many as 82% of Indonesian respondents place family as a priority, while only 35% state they do not need to provide financial support to others. This shows the financial pressures faced by many individuals and households.
These findings form the basis of Prudential plc’s Financial Wellbeing Index, involving more than 7,000 respondents in Asia aged 18–60 years, conducted by a third-party surveyor. The study measures financial health through four main dimensions: current and future financial security, as well as current and future financial freedom.
Regionally, the study results show that readiness to face financial risks and achieve future financial goals remains a challenge. Only 45% of respondents are confident in handling unexpected expenses or having sufficient savings in the future. Amid these conditions, only 18% feel they have adequate access to financial solutions.
This aligns with Indonesia’s financial literacy level, which still needs strengthening. Based on the National Survey on Financial Literacy and Inclusion by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the public’s financial literacy rate is around 66%. This figure indicates that although the public has begun building financial habits, understanding of long-term financial management still needs improvement.
On the other hand, Indonesians have taken the right steps, such as having income and saving. According to the Prudential plc survey, 69% of respondents in Indonesia save every month, while 63% have clear saving goals. However, these steps need to be followed by readiness to face risks and long-term planning.
In line with the Global Money Week 2026 momentum and support for OJK’s GENCARKAN programme, Prudential Indonesia encourages the public not only to focus on increasing income but also to strengthen financial health.