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Once upon a time, before the ravages of inflation and the crushing weight of adulthood expenses, being a child seemed so much cheaper.
About two decades ago, we could remember the joy of holding a Rp 100,000 note and feeling like a 1-percenter at the school canteen. Now, that same amount of money could probably get us through lunch and little else.
What about the kids these days? As the older Gen Zs have now started entering the workforce, we wanted to know what some of the Gen Alpha in Jakarta, born between 2010 and literally yesterday, would do if they were given Rp 1 million.
We thought that amount would be quite generous. But as some of their answers have indicated, a bit more would be appreciated.
Read also: Welcome to alpha-mart: Meet the most digitally native consumers
What will you buy with Rp 1 million?
“I want to buy sour candy, the one when you bite, it explodes! [makes crackling noise] The one with the leg, I like it. I also want to buy milk and buy mouse food for the bad mice. But I want bread too, and candy birds. That’s all.”
– Gerald, 3
“To buy a Ferrari car and a luxurious house! With a trail bike and a sports bike, and more houses and Ferrari cars!”
– Enzo, 4
“Toys like nail polish and makeup, and high heels like Princess Elsa.”
– Michan, 4
“Playstation! If that’s not enough, Lego, Lego, Lego! Or a keyboard or computer.”
– Kumara, 7
“What to do? I’ll watch an NCT concert, close to the stage.”
– Kila, 8, referring to a K-pop band.
“Rp 1 million? That’s not enough for a good gaming phone! If I had to spend it, probably a fast internet connection. That should be enough, right?”
– Rayhan, 9
“That's not enough [...] But I want to shop and then I want to go to Bali. I want to go to Charles & Keith, I think. And then I want to eat, like pizza and burger. If I have Rp 500,000 left, that's enough, I can shop!”
– Leika, 9
“Football kits, a football and food is my complete answer.”
– Arshakta, 11
“I would spend it on a trip to Bandung to eat.”
– Tiffany, 11
“For me, I would go on a shopping spree in Uniqlo or KKV. Or food, I don’t know.”
– Kendra, 11
“I would spend it on a phone and then my family, and then Genshin Impact.”
– Alexandria, 11, referring to an action role-playing game.
“An album. ALBUM! K-pop albums.”
– Nathania, 11
“Save it and use it for daily necessities and investment. [Laughs] Just kidding, I will buy a ton of Nerf guns.”
– Timothy, 11
“I want to use it for the Clash of Champions meet and greet.”
- Keesha, 11, referring to an educational reality game web series.
“I’m the worst person to ask, I don’t want anything. That’s a lot, though, I can probably buy shoes. But I don’t need shoes. I’ll probably get stuff for my dog.”
- Sophia, 12Read also: Behind the scenes with social media star Leika GaruditaThis article is part of The Weekender, a biweekly tabloid that appears in the Saturday edition of The Jakarta Post. Offering a variety of feature articles on lifestyle and culture, it aims to enriching your reading experience. Subscribe here to access The Jakarta Post's Saturday edition and all Premium content.
