6.98% of Indonesian Students Work While Studying

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that 6.98% of students aged 10 to 24 years old worked while attending school in 2020. The breakdown shows 6.74% in rural areas and 7.15% in urban areas.

The agricultural sector significantly contributed to students working in rural areas, accounting for 44.06% in 2020. Other sectors included 39.9% in services and 16.04% in manufacturing.

In contrast, the service sector employed the most students in urban areas, with 72.61%. Manufacturing accounted for 22.78%, and agriculture for 4.61%.

Citing Maseviciute (2018), BPS explains two reasons why students work: economic necessity to meet daily needs and to gain work experience. However, intensive work among students increases the risk of dropping out, particularly for those from low-income families.