- Authors: Khairu Roojiqien Sobandi
- From: Department of Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Abstract:
This paper analyzes a preliminary study of youth political engagement in post-reform era especially the case of the youth activities in Purwokerto, Central Java Indonesia. Using qualitative research method, this research examines how the youth engage with political matters and which channels they preferred in their activities. The results shows that the youth political engagement in post reform period have more space in practicing their activities. They have their freedom in expressing their thought and engaging through various student organization activities. Beside intra and extra campus student organizations, in post reform period, we found that there is a third type of student organization, which is an independent organization that fluid and flexible in nature. This organization utilize information and communication technologies (ICTs) in expanding their reach toward the other interested parties to join and engage together regardless their background like, political parties underbouw, ideological, religion based or even ethnicities based organization. At this point, the youth managed to establishing their own social networks through social media and website that their created by themselves. This relatively new media create more political engagement among the youth in tackling local, national and even international issues. Unfortunately, they don?t utilize effectively their social media and website in supporting their activities in gaining supports from other students relating to social and political issues. This situation is related to the characteristic of the Indonesian youth as internet user that utilize the internet for entertainment. In short, the youth political engagement managed to gain more space but at the same time, they lack of productivity in their activities.
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