Here are some social issues and cultural phenomena related to ABG (Adolescent/Teenagers) in Indonesia:

  1. Mental Health Concerns: The social issues faced by ABG SMU Indonesia can lead to mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
  2. Social Unrest: The challenges faced by Indonesian high school students can contribute to social unrest, including protests, demonstrations, and online activism.
  3. Cultural Shifts: The experiences of ABG SMU Indonesia reflect broader cultural shifts in Indonesian society, including changing attitudes towards tradition, authority, and social norms.

The cultural context in which ABG SMU Indonesia navigate their lives is complex and multifaceted. Some key cultural factors that influence their experiences include:

Social Inclusion: New programs like Sekolah Rakyat (operating since mid-2025) aim to provide tuition-free boarding schools for disadvantaged students, attempting to break the cycle of poverty through better education access.

The "ABG SMU" demographic sits at the heart of several pressing social challenges in contemporary Indonesia: SMU Komunitas Indonesia (SMUKI) - Vivace 2025

: Issues such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and the "cycle of comparison"—where students constantly measure their lives against curated online ideals—are growing concerns for educators and parents. Erosion of Local Values

It is a common sight in Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bali: girls rolling up their skirts to daring heights (the "mini" trend) or modifying their white shirts to be more form-fitting, while boys let their hair grow long or sport "potong Korea" (Korean-style haircuts) that defy school regulations.

In the Indonesian context, (short for Anak Baru Gede , literally "child just grown up") refers to teenagers, while (now more commonly called

Introduction: Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country, is home to a vast and diverse population of over 270 million people. The country's adolescence, particularly those in senior high school (SMU), are navigating a critical phase of identity formation. This paper explores the social issues and cultural context that shape the lives of Indonesian adolescents, with a specific focus on the phenomenon of ABG SMU (Adolescent Boys and Girls in Senior High School).