Distribution of Netizens' Sentiments Towards the Middle Class on TikTok March 2026

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

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

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

Based on a sample of TikTok conversations about the middle class during March 2026, there are 5 main findings related to these conversations:

1. Economic Instability and Global Turmoil

   The public is concerned about the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy and staple goods prices, as well as rising inflation that is burdening purchasing power.

2. Government Programs for Economic Equality

   The Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP) as a government effort to strengthen village economies and encourage local MSMEs.

3. Employment Issues and Workers' Rights

   Complaints about unilateral layoffs, job contract uncertainty, and unfulfilled THR (holiday bonus) rights by some companies.

4. Middle Class Concerns and Financial Literacy

   The middle class is burdened by high living costs, the risk of job loss due to AI, and lack of financial literacy leading to a 'fake rich' lifestyle.

5. Criticism and Support for Government Policies

   There is support for programs like KDMP and MBG, but also criticism about implementation effectiveness and budget allocation.

From the conversation sample, positive sentiment recorded the highest figure at 44.35% of the total analyzed sentiment.

Negative sentiment conversations accounted for 41.53% and neutral for 14.12%.

Negative sentiment indicates conversations about complaining about unilateral layoffs by companies and unfulfilled THR rights for private sector workers.

Meanwhile, positive sentiment discussions include positive reception of the Red and White Village Cooperative program as an effort for economic equality and empowerment of village MSMEs.

Data related to the middle class issue shows that Bank Indonesia (BI) released the February 2026 BI Consumer Confidence Index (IKK) at 125.16 points.

The BI IKK includes two supporting components: the BI Current Economic Conditions Index (IKE) and the BI Consumer Expectations Index (IEK).

The BI Current Economic Conditions Index (IKE) measures consumers' perceptions of the current national economic conditions, with a February 2026 value reaching 115.89 points.

(Read: Aceh, Province with the Highest Annual Inflation in January 2026)