Priviet Social Sciences Journal
Vol. 5 No. 10 (2025): October 2025

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

Nugroho, Bernardus Herdian (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Oct 2025

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.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

PSSJ

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

PSSJ: Priviet Social Sciences Journal is an open access, monthly peer-reviewed international journal published by PRIVIETLAB. It provides an avenue to academicians, researchers, managers and others to publish their research work that contributes to the knowledge and theory of Social Sciences. PSSJ ...