Digital activism and youth participation in Indonesia: A qualitative study of social media’s role in contemporary social movements

Bernardus Herdian  Nugroho

doi:10.55942/pssj.v5i10.603

Authors

Bernardus Herdian Nugroho Universitas Sebelas Maret https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3179-8872

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55942/pssj.v5i10.603

Keywords:

digital activism, social media, youth, Indonesia, social movements, political participation

Abstract

Amidst Indonesia's evolving democratic landscape, digital activism has become a defining arena for youth-driven civic engagement. This qualitative research delves into how Indonesian youth are harnessing social media platforms to propel contemporary social movements. Drawing from in-depth case studies of two pivotal movements—#ReformasiDikorupsi and #TolakOmnibusLaw—and candid interviews with activists, this study uncovers the strategies, motivations, and profound challenges that they navigate. Our findings reveal that social media acts as a powerful catalyst for rapid mobilization and broad participation, effectively forging a collective identity and solidarity among youth activists. Online campaigns demonstrably amplify on-the-ground protests, contributing to tangible outcomes such as policy shifts. However, this empowerment is contested within a digital terrain fraught with significant obstacles. Activists must contend with the rampant spread of misinformation and harassment, an overreliance on virality to achieve impact, and the organized counter-mobilization of "cyber troops" seeking to undermine their narratives. Ultimately, this study argues that while digital activism is a vital force for enhancing youth political participation and social awareness, its effectiveness is critically contingent on a delicate balance between digital literacy, platform governance, and the seamless integration of online efforts with offline action. These insights offer a nuanced understanding of both the promise and perils of Indonesia's digital public sphere in the ongoing struggle for social change.

Author Biography

Bernardus Herdian Nugroho, Universitas Sebelas Maret

Bernardus Herdian Nugroho is a faculty member at Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta (UNS), where he specializes in communication science. His research agenda focuses on digital activism, youth political engagement, and the dynamics of contemporary social movements in Indonesia. He is particularly interested in the qualitative aspects of how digital platforms are used to build collective identity and press for political accountability in evolving democracies.

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