KARAKTERISTIK GENERASI Z DAN KESIAPANNYA DALAM MENGHADAPI BONUS DEMOGRAFI 2030 DI PROVINSI SUMATERA UTARA

Claudya Carolin Sihombing; Elsa Kardiana; Dinda Aprilia; Lajuardi Putra Beheng Sinulingga; Elno Situmorang; Lastri Marbun

doi:10.36989/didaktik.v11i04.9318

Claudya Carolin Sihombing Universitas Negeri Medan
Elsa Kardiana Universitas Negeri Medan
Dinda Aprilia Universitas Negeri Medan
Lajuardi Putra Beheng Sinulingga Universitas Negeri Medan
Elno Situmorang Universitas Negeri Medan
Lastri Marbun Universitas Negeri Medan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36989/didaktik.v11i04.9318

Keywords: Generation Z, Demographic Bonus, Digital Literacy, Independence, Time Management, North Sumatra.

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively analyze the characteristics of Generation Z and measure their level of preparedness to face the peak of the Demographic Bonus in 2030 in North Sumatra Province. The demographic bonus phenomenon offers massive economic acceleration opportunities for Indonesia, but its success depends heavily on whether the productive-age population has adequate quality, competence, and mental readiness. This study employed a mixed-methods design that integrates quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data was collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 50 randomly selected Generation Z respondents, while secondary data was obtained through an in-depth literature study. The results indicate that Generation Z in North Sumatra has a relatively high readiness profile and an optimistic attitude towards the future. Their fundamental strengths lie in superior digital capabilities (92% of respondents demonstrated good digital literacy in verifying information), strong learning independence (Do It Yourself), a realistic, solution-oriented mindset, and a very high level of social and multicultural openness (96%). However, this study also highlighted structural challenges in the aspects of discipline and time management (44% of respondents admitted to being ineffective) and low geographic awareness of local economic potential (32%). The study's conclusion confirms that although Generation Z possesses substantial intellectual and social capital as drivers of development, this potential remains underutilized due to barriers to personal productivity and a lack of connectivity to regional opportunities. Strategic interventions focused on improving managerial soft skills and educating about regional economic potential are needed.

References

Arum, L. S., Zahrani, A., & Duha, N. A. (2023). Karakteristik Generasi Z dan Kesiapannya dalam Menghadapi Bonus Demografi 2030. Accounting Student Research Journal, 2(1), 59-72.
Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS). (2022). Proyeksi Penduduk Indonesia 2020-2050. Jakarta: BPS.
Badan Pusat Statistik Sumatera Utara. (2023). Provinsi Sumatera Utara Dalam Angka 2023. Medan: BPS Sumut.
Damanik. (2025). Analisis Penyerapan Tenaga Kerja Generasi Z Sektor Formal di Sumatera Utara. Jurnal Ekonomi Wilayah, 10(1), 45-58.
Fotaleno, F., & Batubara, D. S. (2024). Fenomena Kesulitan Generasi Z dalam Mendapatkan Pekerjaan Ditinjau Perspektif Teori Kesenjangan Generasi. Jurnal Syntax Admiration, 5(8), 3199-3208.
Maryani, M., Sukardi, J. S., Hanum, F., & Dwiningrum, S. I. A. (2022). Kesadaran multikultural generasi Z dan implikasinya pada pendidikan. Humanika: Kajian Ilmiah Mata Kuliah Umum, 22(1), 1-20.
Nasution, A. K. P. (2020). Integrasi media sosial dalam pembelajaran generasi Z. Jurnal Teknologi Informasi Dan Pendidikan, 13(1), 80-86.
Nusantara, Basri, & Rahayu. (2024). Optimalisasi Bonus Demografi Melalui Kewirausahaan Generasi Z. Jurnal Kebijakan Ekonomi Nasional, 8(2), 112-125.
Saktiani, G., & Dwiarti, R. (2024). GEN Z DI DUNIA KERJA: Kepribadian dan Motivasi Jadi Penentu Produktivitas Kerja. Jurnal Manajemen dan Bisnis Ekonomi (JMEB), 3(1), 32-40.
Stillman, D., & Stillman, J. (2018). Gen Z @ Work: How the Next Generation Is Transforming the Workplace. New York: HarperCollins.