Indonesia is at a crucial turning point, with its demographic bonus expected to peak in 2030 as the country works towards its Vision 2045 target of becoming a developed nation. This phase – when the proportion of the working-age population (15 to 64 years old) exceeds that of the non-working-age population – presents a major opportunity for growth. A larger workforce can increase national productivity and economic gains (BPS, 2023). However, this window also poses significant risks, especially for younger generations, who face challenges such as unemployment, marginalisation and economic insecurity.

The relational wellbeing framework offers a way to understand the wellbeing of vulnerable youth. These young people often rely on social networks – family, peers, community organisations – for support. But the quality and accessibility of these networks can shape whether they gain opportunities such as education, skills training or work (Nevard, 2021). When networks are fragile, such as in contexts of poverty or displacement, young people face greater barriers to achieving wellbeing. This study will focus on how relational networks – both formal and informal – can help vulnerable youth build meaningful livelihoods.
The study will take place in five targeted areas, each representing different types of vulnerability: Yogyakarta (mental health and HIV/AIDS), West Sumatra (disability), East Nusa Tenggara (chronic unemployment), North Maluku (natural disasters) and West Kalimantan (ethnic and religious segregation).
Two doctoral scholarships will be offered at the Faculty of Psychology, Gadjah Mada University, for research on vulnerable youth and meaningful livelihoods.

This study will employ mixed-method research and is expected to engage with over 3 000 participants. It will begin with a face-to-face quantitative survey, ensuring representation from remote and underserved regions. After tool validation, a large-scale survey will be conducted to measure the relational wellbeing of vulnerable youth across Indonesia.

This will be followed by a qualitative stage employing participatory digital storytelling using tools such as Photovoice, video/audio diaries, podcasts, journaling and body mapping. The choice of tools will be tailored to the needs of young people in each area.

The research will follow the principles of participatory action research, involving youth not only as respondents but as co-researchers, co-authors and co-creators. Methods will be adapted to ensure inclusion, equity and accessibility. Collaboration will include academic partners from local universities in each targeted area, and non-academic partners such as the Kampung Halaman Foundation (developing the storytelling methodology) and the YAKKUM Emergency Unit (facilitating access to and supporting inclusion for youth with disabilities or other vulnerabilities).

The research will take place over three years. It starts in July 2025 with a scoping review, followed by instrument development in early 2026, and mixed-method fieldwork through to December 2026.

This research aims to examine how vulnerable youth in Indonesia construct meaningful livelihoods, and how family, peer, community and institutional support contribute to their wellbeing and employment.
The study will highlight the perspectives of young people as primary narrators of their own experiences. It will also explore how community members, institutions and policymakers view youth vulnerability and livelihood issues. Using a relational wellbeing lens, the project will assess how social support influences life outcomes for youth, particularly in settings marked by disaster, conflict, disability, health issues and chronic unemployment.

The project will improve understanding of how relational factors influence the livelihoods of vulnerable youth and inform evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and employers. It will explore how social relationships and institutional support help young people access employment and achieve long-term wellbeing. It also aims to examine what a meaningful livelihood means to youth and how this concept connects to broader social structures.
Findings will be shared through academic publications, policy briefs, international conferences and online/offline visual exhibitions. The research seeks to contribute to more inclusive and supportive policies that enable vulnerable youth to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable wellbeing. It will provide valuable insights into youth livelihoods in Indonesia, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable groups are reflected in future policies.

Process indicators will monitor research stages: scoping, tool development, data collection, stakeholder engagement and dissemination. Indicators include:

• Progress and completion of each phase
• Number of participants (disaggregated by gender, age, disability and vulnerability type)
• Engagement and contributions of youth co-researchers
• Stakeholder involvement and performance

The study will track:

• Changes in how relational wellbeing and meaningful livelihoods are understood
• Youth wellbeing and livelihood status indicators
• Knowledge and attitudes among researchers, youth and stakeholders regarding youth vulnerability and inclusion
• Stakeholder actions and commitments towards inclusive, sustainable livelihood development.