Indonesian Youth Flock to Concerts, Experts Warn of Financial Pitfalls

Music concerts remain a popular entertainment choice for Indonesia's youth, especially Generation Z. A 2025 survey by GoodStats revealed that approximately half of young respondents plan to attend two to three concerts per year. This growing enthusiasm is fueled by social media, which simplifies information dissemination for concert promoters and broadens their reach.

According to Prof. Dr. Gancar Candra Premananto, an economics expert at Airlangga University, social media plays a significant role in driving Gen Z's interest in concerts. He identified three key motivations for purchasing tickets: self-reward after hard work, the pursuit of pleasure (hedonism), and symbolic motives tied to social recognition. In the age of social media, the desire to validate social status through concert attendance has intensified.

Furthermore, the fear of missing out (FOMO) creates considerable social pressure for Gen Z. The urge to follow trends and gain peer approval often leads to impulsive consumption decisions. Prof. Gancar warned against using services like "paylater" or online loans for concert tickets if one's ability to repay is not aligned with the debt incurred, cautioning that this can foster a cycle of debt.

To enjoy concerts without jeopardizing financial well-being, Prof. Gancar recommends disciplined monthly budgeting. He suggests allocating around 40% for essential needs, 30% for social activities, 20% for entertainment, and 10% for savings or investments. "With good planning, individuals can prepare for concert desires well in advance, preventing them from becoming impulsive consumption decisions," he stated.