According to the Gallup Global Emotions Report 2025, Indonesia, along with China and Mexico, topped the list of countries where people experience positive emotions most often. Nine out of ten Indonesians admitted to laughing or smiling the day before the survey, and the level of negative experiences here is one of the lowest in the world.
This is primarily due to religiousness and the tradition of gotong royong — mutual help and collective responsibility. Regular prayers, community celebrations, and a philosophy of gratitude create a sense of support: a person is almost never left alone with their difficulties. The picture is complemented by the paternalistic culture of bapakism: younger people feel the care and protection of their elders, important decisions are made jointly, and family ties remain strong even in megacities.
Indonesian culture values a work-life balance similar to the Japanese principle of ikigai. Optimal time allocation between work, family, self-improvement, and rest reduces the risk of burnout. Added to this is the tropical climate: sun, ocean, and evergreen landscapes all year round increase serotonin levels and provide a feeling of 'eternal summer.'
Cultural diversity also plays its part. More than three hundred ethnic groups create an endless array of festivals throughout the calendar: gamelan music, dances, colorful costumes, and aromatic food with spicy chilis turn ordinary days into little celebrations. The country's economy is steadily growing, fostering confidence in the future: more and more residents are planning their children's education, starting businesses, or buying homes, which reinforces the optimistic outlook.
Finally, life on an archipelago with active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes has taught Indonesians adaptability. Quick mobilization of resources, helping neighbors, and the ability to accept the inevitable have strengthened psychological resilience.
Traditional drinks like jamu, massage, meditation, and accessible spa treatments are considered daily hygiene rather than a luxury, adding another building block to the foundation of national well-being.
The Indonesian experience shows that true happiness is composed not only of economic indicators but also of trust, mutual support, the ability to enjoy simple pleasures, and harmony between modernity and traditions.
Source: gallup-international.com
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