Public Sentiment on the Middle Class on TikTok February 2026

The middle class plays a crucial role in both economic and non-economic aspects.

This has led to increased attention to the situation of this group on social media and online media.

The Databoks team analyzed discussions about the middle class from online media and social media platforms Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Referring to the sample of TikTok discussions about the middle class during February 2026, there are 5 main findings related to these discussions:

1. Economic Pressure and Job Market Instability

   People are experiencing declining purchasing power, mass layoffs, and difficulties maintaining businesses, especially MSMEs, amid an unstable economic crisis.

2. Controversy Over the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG)

   The MBG Program has come under scrutiny due to its large budget allocation, non-compliance with nutritional standards in implementation, and allegations of fund misuse that harm the education sector.

3. Inequity in the Welfare and Education System

   Honorary teachers receive minimal salaries without job security, while education budgets are diverted to the MBG Program, causing inequity and frustration among educators.

4. Concerns Over Personal Data Security and Trade Agreements with the US

   People are worried about US trade agreements that allow personal data transfers abroad, without adequate protection for citizens' privacy.

5. Personal Financial Crisis and the Pressured Middle Class

   The middle class is facing financial pressure due to inflation, debt installments, and loss of economic security, while efforts to increase income through investments or side hustles are not always successful.

From the sample discussions, negative sentiment recorded the highest figure at 67.5% of the total analyzed sentiment.

Neutral sentiment discussions accounted for 20.06% and positive sentiment 12.44%.

Negative sentiment indicates discussions about facing unilateral layoffs without severance pay or guarantees from companies, including subsidiaries of state-owned enterprises.

Meanwhile, positive sentiment discussions include attention to government efforts to boost economic growth and provide social assistance such as holiday bonuses (THR) and fiscal stimulus.

(Read: Provinces with the Highest Downstream Sector Investment Realization in Indonesia 2025)