The Phenomenon of “The Child with The Rotten Tail” and the Tragedy of Unemployment in Indonesia

The Phenomenon of “The Child with The Rotten Tail” and the Tragedy of Unemployment in Indonesia

By: Sujaya, S. Pd. Gr.
(DPP ASWIN Advisory Board)

*A. The Phenomenon of “The Child with the Rotten Tail”*

The Phenomenon of “The Child with the Rotten Tail” or “The Phenomenon of a child with a rotten tail” is a metaphor or social concept that describes the younger generation who experience moral, social, or economic degradation due to the difficulties of finding work that matches their competence or background.

The metaphorical meaning of “Rotten Tail” symbolizes something that is damaged in the child, either in the form of character, mindset, or a bleak future due to the negative influence of the environment, education system, or economy.

This phenomenon has now hit European countries, China, Indonesia and even several other countries in the world.

The Phenomenon of “The Child with the Rotten Tail” When associated with social and economic problems, this concept can reflect:

1. Marginalized Young Generation. Many young people grow up in unsupportive environments, such as disharmonious families, lack of education, or stressful social environments.

2. Mentality of Resignation and Despair. Bad social influences can make young people lose their enthusiasm to develop, try, or compete healthily.

3. Impact of Poverty and Social Inequality. Children from poor families often face limited access to education and economic opportunities, making their future uncertain.

*B. Unemployment Tragedy in Indonesia*

Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges for Indonesia, especially among young people. Moreover, currently many factories are closing, mass layoffs, start-ups are collapsing and closing. Unemployment is increasing.

Some of the main factors causing high unemployment rates include:

1. Mismatch between education and the job market.

Many graduates do not have the skills needed by the industry.

2. Tight Competition.
A large population causes competition for labor to increase.

3. Lack of Job Opportunities.
Uneven economic growth has caused many regions to lack jobs.

4. Technological Change and Automation. Many jobs that were previously done by humans are now replaced by technology.

*C. The Relationship between “The Child with the Rotten Tail” and Unemployment*

If this phenomenon is linked to the tragedy of unemployment in Indonesia, then it can be interpreted that children who experience failure in the social and educational systems will find it difficult to compete in the world of work, which ultimately worsens the unemployment rate.

Those who do not have strong skills and mentality tend to become social burdens, experience poverty, crime, or even depression due to economic pressures.

*D. Solutions That Can Be Done*

1. The Need for Education Reform. Improving vocational and entrepreneurial skills from an early age.
2. Social Support – Building an environment that supports young people so they don’t lose their way.
3. Economic Equality. Encouraging investment in the regions so that jobs are not only concentrated in big cities.
4. Empowering Young People. Cultivating the spirit of innovation and creativity so that they can create their own opportunities.

Indramayu. 3/16/2025

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