17094R3m-5 Finding Purpose in Urban Hardship: The Role of Ikigai in Mental Well-being of Public Housing Residents in Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Residents of public housing (rumah susun) in Jakarta represent a vulnerable middle-income population—falling outside the administrative category of poverty, yet still facing daily economic pressures and limited access to psychosocial resources. In the face of urban life challenges, the pursuit of life meaning through the concept of ikigai has emerged as a vital psychological asset. This study aims to analyze the influence of ikigai on well-being among public housing residents in Jakarta using a quantitative approach. A total of 100 respondents, all active residents of public housing in the capital city, participated in the study. The research employed the Ikigai-9 Indonesian Version to measure life meaning, and the Indonesian Version of the WHO-5 Well-being Index to assess psychological well-being. Results from linear regression analysis revealed that the Total Ikigai variable positively and significantly predicted Total Well-being, with R = 0.775, R² = 0.601, and a significance level of p < .001. This indicates that 60.1% of the variance in psychological well-being can be explained by respondents’ level of ikigai. These findings highlight the critical role of life meaning in fostering psychological resilience among urban populations. Furthermore, the integration of digital literacy is seen as essential in enhancing access to self-exploration and ikigai development in the digital era. This study recommends the implementation of psychoeducational interventions that promote ikigai and digital literacy as strategic tools to support the psychological resilience of urban middle-income residents living in public housing.