In this article, I’ll provide comprehensive insights about the Laravel and Next.js ecosystems, particularly from an Indonesian market perspective. From popularity and job opportunities to salaries and recommendations on which framework you should choose. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Laravel and Next.js
Before we compare them, it’s important to understand what Laravel and Next.js are, because they actually belong to different categories.
Laravel: The King of PHP Frameworks
Laravel is an open-source PHP framework developed by Taylor Otwell since 2011. This framework focuses on ease of use, security, and clean architecture. Laravel uses the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architectural pattern that makes it easy for developers to organize their code.
Why is Laravel Popular?
Laravel leads the PHP framework market with a 43% market share. This popularity is not without reason:
- Elegant Syntax: Laravel code is easy to read and understand, even for beginners
- Complete Ecosystem: Has everything you need from routing, ORM (Eloquent), to authentication systems
- Excellent Documentation: Very comprehensive and easy-to-understand documentation
- Large Community: There are more than 3,000 companies and millions of sites using Laravel
Laravel in Indonesia
In Indonesia, Laravel is like a “second home” for PHP developers. Liputan6 website is one of the famous news portals in Indonesia that uses Laravel. Many local companies and startups use Laravel as the backbone of their applications.
Next.js: The Powerful React Framework
Next.js is an open-source React-based framework designed to build modern web applications with features like server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and client-side rendering (CSR). Next.js is developed by Vercel.
Why is Next.js Attractive?
Next.js is not just regular React. It has many excellent features:
- Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Your website loads faster and is SEO-friendly
- Static Site Generation (SSG): Can generate super-fast static websites
- API Routes: With API Routes, Middleware, and the new App Router capabilities, Next.js enables developers to build large-scale applications without switching to traditional back-end
- Zero Configuration: Just install and it works right away
Next.js in Indonesia
Next.js is a React-based framework designed to build modern web applications, supporting server-side rendering and static site generation, making applications faster and more SEO-friendly. In Indonesia, Next.js is increasingly being used, especially in startups and tech-savvy companies.
Ecosystem Comparison in Indonesia
Let’s look at how the ecosystem of these two frameworks in Indonesia from various perspectives.
1. Popularity and Adoption
Laravel:
- According to TechBehemoths, there are 12 Laravel development companies found in Indonesia
- Already used by many SMEs, medium-sized companies, to large corporations
- Dominant in e-commerce, corporate information systems, and news portals
Next.js:
- Increasingly adopted by tech startups and digital companies
- Popular for landing pages, dashboards, and SaaS applications
- In 2025, combinations like Next.js + Strapi, or Next.js with other Headless CMS are widely used to build fast, flexible, and easily scalable sites
Conclusion: Laravel is still more dominant in numbers, but Next.js is growing very fast, especially among young developers and startups.
2. Job Opportunities and Career Prospects
Laravel:
Data from various job portals shows Laravel is still highly sought after:
- Many Laravel developer vacancies with technology combinations like Laravel + Next.js, Laravel + React
- Positions range from Junior to Senior Developer
- Many companies looking for Laravel Developers with minimum 1-3 years of experience
Next.js:
Demand for Next.js developers is also high:
- React is the most sought-after frontend framework by companies with around 355,000 job openings
- Next.js as a React framework certainly benefits from the high demand for React developers
- Many positions combine Next.js with TypeScript, Node.js, or Prisma
Conclusion: Both frameworks have good job opportunities. Laravel has more openings for full-stack development, while Next.js leans more toward frontend and modern full-stack apps.
3. Developer Salary Comparison
Now, this is what everyone’s been waiting for. What’s the salary difference between Laravel and Next.js developers?
Laravel Developer Salary (Backend/Full-Stack):
Based on research from various sources:
- Fresh Graduate/Junior (0-2 years): IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 4,000,000 for internship positions, while junior developers range from IDR 5-8 million
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): Average Backend developer salary in Indonesia is between IDR 6,000,000 and IDR 9,000,000
- Senior (5+ years): Can reach IDR 12-20 million or even more
Next.js/React Developer Salary (Frontend/Full-Stack):
Salary data for frontend developers with React/Next.js skills:
- Fresh Graduate/Junior (0-2 years): Salary range IDR 5,000,000 – IDR 9,000,000 per month
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): Salary range IDR 8,000,000 – IDR 15,000,000 per month
- Senior (5+ years): Can reach IDR 15-25 million or more
For Frontend Developer positions with React & Next.js in Jakarta, salaries range from IDR 7,000,000 – IDR 8,000,000 per month.
Analysis:
In general, Next.js/React developer salaries tend to be slightly higher, especially at mid-senior levels. This is because:
- Modern JavaScript skills are more in-demand
- Next.js developers often also handle backend (full-stack)
- Many tech startups pay higher
But don’t get me wrong, Laravel developers with complete skills (Laravel + Vue/React + DevOps) can also get equal or even higher salaries.
4. Learning Curve
Laravel:
- Language: PHP (need to learn PHP first if you don’t know it)
- Concepts: MVC, ORM, Routing, Middleware
- Learning Time: 2-3 months to master basics
- Suitable for: Those who like backend development, complex business logic
Next.js:
- Language: JavaScript/TypeScript (more universal)
- Concepts: React, Components, SSR, SSG, API Routes
- Learning Time: 2-4 months (need to master React first)
- Suitable for: Those who like frontend, UX, and want full-stack with JavaScript
Conclusion: Laravel is relatively easier to learn if you already understand PHP. Next.js requires a strong JavaScript foundation.
Pros and Cons of Each
Laravel Advantages
✅ All-in-One Solution Laravel offers a complete ecosystem with first-party tools that can handle databases, queues, notifications, emails, web sockets, subscription payments, and much more
✅ Mature Ecosystem There are tens of thousands of packages that you can use right away. Authentication, payment gateway, API, everything is just an install away.
✅ Blade Templating A simple and powerful template system for creating views.
✅ Eloquent ORM The most elegant way to interact with databases. Queries become incredibly easy.
✅ Livewire & Inertia.js With Livewire and Volt, Laravel can create dynamic, single-page components with just PHP without needing a separate JavaScript framework
Laravel Disadvantages
❌ Performance Laravel by default generates every route dynamically, not as fast as static generation
❌ Requires Server You need a VPS or shared hosting that supports PHP. Can’t deploy for free as easily as Next.js.
❌ Two Languages If you want to create modern interactive UI, you still need JavaScript too.
Next.js Advantages
✅ Best Performance Next.js performs faster due to static site generation and server-side rendering
✅ SEO-Friendly Server-side rendering makes your website easy for Google to crawl.
✅ One Language Full JavaScript/TypeScript from frontend to backend.
✅ Easy Deployment Deploying to Vercel (Next.js’s creator) is free and super easy. Just connect GitHub, done!
✅ Hot Module Replacement Through hot module replacement, developers can immediately see code changes without having to reload the website page
Next.js Disadvantages
❌ Requires Strong JavaScript Skills If you don’t understand JavaScript, React, and async programming, Next.js will be challenging.
❌ Limited Backend Next.js can basically render React on the server, but for complex backend logic, you still need to set up your own database, email service, queue system, etc.
❌ Separate Ecosystem You have to choose yourself: which database? which ORM? which Auth? More flexible but requires more decisions.
When Should You Use Laravel?
Choose Laravel if:
🎯 You’re More Comfortable with PHP Already have a PHP background and want to stay in the PHP ecosystem.
🎯 Need Robust Backend Your project needs complex business logic, complicated database relationships, background jobs, email notifications, etc.
🎯 Building Monolithic Applications Everything in one application: backend, frontend, admin panel, API.
🎯 Small Team or Solo Developer Laravel provides an unfair advantage for solo developers or small teams because you can move fast with the tools already provided
🎯 Limited Budget for Learning Faster to learn if you already understand basic PHP.
Example Use Cases:
- E-commerce with inventory system
- Corporate information systems (ERP, HRM)
- News portals or blogs with CMS
- Booking/reservation applications
- Admin dashboards with lots of CRUD
When Should You Use Next.js?
Choose Next.js if:
🚀 Need Maximum Performance Your website must be super fast, top SEO, and smooth user experience.
🚀 Frontend-First Approach Your project focuses on interactive user interface and experience.
🚀 Already Understand JavaScript/React You’re already comfortable with the modern JavaScript ecosystem.
🚀 Want Microservices Architecture Separate backend (can use Laravel, Node.js, or other services), frontend uses Next.js.
🚀 Deploy to CDN Need a website that can be deployed to edge network for global performance.
Example Use Cases:
- Business or startup landing pages
- Blog or personal website
- Analytics dashboard
- Cloud-based SaaS applications
- E-commerce with UX focus
- Real-time platforms (chat, notifications)
Can They Be Combined?
Absolutely yes! And this is becoming increasingly popular.
Many job openings require developers with both Laravel AND Next.js skills. Commonly used patterns:
1. Laravel as API Backend + Next.js as Frontend
This is the most common architecture:
- Laravel focuses on handling business logic, database, authentication
- Next.js focuses on handling UI/UX and presentation layer
- Communication uses RESTful API or GraphQL
Advantages:
- Clear separation of concerns
- Can scale frontend and backend separately
- Frontend and backend teams can work in parallel
2. Laravel with Inertia.js
Inertia.js acts as a bridge between Laravel on the backend and React.js/Vue.js on the frontend, creating a cohesive development experience without needing to build a separate API
Advantages:
- Stay within one codebase
- No need to create manual API endpoints
- Easier for small-medium projects
Recommendations for Developers
Based on the complete analysis above, here are my recommendations:
For Fresh Graduates or Career Switchers
Start with Laravel if:
- You’re new to programming
- Want to work in corporates or agencies with many PHP projects
- Located outside Jakarta and Laravel job opportunities are more abundant
Start with Next.js if:
- Already understand basic JavaScript
- Want to focus on startups or tech companies
- Interested in becoming a modern frontend or full-stack developer
For Developers Who Want to Switch
From Laravel to Next.js: Good for you who want to:
- Upgrade skills to JavaScript ecosystem
- Work at startups using modern tech stack
- Increase salary bracket (modern frontend averages higher)
From Next.js to Laravel: Suitable if you:
- Want to become a more complete full-stack
- Many projects need robust backend
- Want to work in various types of industries (not just tech startups)
For Experienced Developers
Master both!
Seriously, in 2025, developers who can do both Laravel AND Next.js are highly sought after. You can:
- Take full-stack projects alone
- Have higher bargaining power for salary
- Work in various types of companies
- Become tech lead or architect
Recommended Stack 2025
Based on industry trends in Indonesia, here are the recommended stacks:
Modern Full-Stack Stack (Next.js Centric)
- Frontend: Next.js 15 + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS
- State Management: Zustand or React Query
- Backend: Next.js API Routes + Prisma
- Database: PostgreSQL or Supabase
- Auth: NextAuth.js
- Deploy: Vercel (frontend) + Railway/Render (database)
Suitable for: Startups, SaaS, modern web apps
Traditional Full-Stack Stack (Laravel Centric)
- Backend: Laravel 11/12
- Frontend: Laravel + Livewire or Laravel + Inertia.js + React
- Database: MySQL or PostgreSQL
- Cache: Redis
- Deploy: VPS (DigitalOcean, Vultr) or PaaS (Laravel Forge)
Suitable for: Enterprise, e-commerce, information systems
Hybrid Stack (Best of Both Worlds)
- Backend API: Laravel 11 + Sanctum/Passport
- Frontend: Next.js 15 + TypeScript
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Cache: Redis
- Deploy: Backend on VPS, Frontend on Vercel
Suitable for: Large-scale applications, complex business logic with modern UI
Tips for Successfully Learning Laravel and Next.js
For Laravel:
- Master Modern PHP (8.x) first before learning Laravel
- Follow Laracasts – the best Laravel tutorial in the world
- Build real projects: todo app, blog, mini e-commerce
- Learn Eloquent until proficient – this is Laravel’s main strength
- Join community Laravel Indonesia on Facebook or Discord
For Next.js:
- Master React first until you understand hooks and component lifecycle
- Learn TypeScript – this is mandatory for modern Next.js
- Read official documentation Next.js – very comprehensive and updated
- Build projects: personal website, dashboard, landing page
- Follow developments of Next.js because updates are fast
For Both:
- Build portfolio on GitHub
- Deploy projects to the internet so they can be showcased
- Networking with other developers
- Contribute to open source when you’re ready
- Stay updated with technology trends
What’s Next?
After you’re comfortable with basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, here are the next steps you can take:
- Learn CSS Framework – Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS to speed up development
- JavaScript Framework – React, Vue, or Angular to build more complex websites
- Backend Development – Node.js, PHP, or Python to build dynamic websites
- Version Control – Git and GitHub to manage your code
- Deployment – Upload your website to the internet using Netlify, Vercel, or GitHub Pages (free!)
Conclusion
Laravel and Next.js are two great frameworks with their respective advantages. There’s no absolute answer to which is “better,” because it depends on your project needs and skills.
Laravel remains a solid choice for:
- Full-stack development with PHP
- Backend-heavy applications
- Developers who need a complete ecosystem in one framework
Next.js is the right choice for:
- Modern web applications with high performance
- Frontend-focused or JAMstack architecture
- Developers who are already comfortable with JavaScript
In the Indonesian market of 2025, both of these frameworks remain very relevant and have good career prospects. It’s even better if you can master both!
The most important thing is: start with one, master it well, then expand to the other. Don’t become a jack of all trades, master of none.
Happy learning and I hope this article helps you choose the right framework for your development career!