UIII Student Talks About Youth Political Activism in Indonesia and Pakistan

January 14, 2024 Contributor: Hamad Shoukat | Editor: Supriyono


UIII.AC.ID, YOGYAKARTA - Wafa Hussain, a PhD student from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), took center stage at the 7th Panel Conference of Sociology Reflektif, held at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta. Wafa's presentation focused on the intersection of Facebook, youth, and political activism and explored the intricate dynamics of the three elements in shaping the socio-political landscape of Indonesia and Pakistan.

Wafa’s presentation examines the platform's multifaceted role in providing a voice to the youth, allowing them to disseminate news, orchestrate demonstrations, and champion causes close to their hearts. The research seeks to unravel the motivations underpinning social change, offering a comparative lens to the youth's political engagement on Facebook in Indonesia and Pakistan.

The research inquiry is centered on: "What are the different factors that affect the connection between Facebook use and rising political participation among youth in Indonesia and Pakistan?" The study employs a qualitative approach by interviewing 40 participants from both countries, the data of which were analyzed through a comparative lens.

“While the youths in Pakistan are fervently sharing news and championing campaigns, their Indonesian counterparts focus on forging connections and pioneering new campaigns. Facebook, in this context, stands as not just a virtual space but a dynamic realm for mobilizing the young generation, creating global connections and relationships,” Wafa explained the result.

The findings of Wafa's research also unveil insights into the divergent paths traversed by youth in Indonesia and Pakistan. A notable revelation is the gendered nature of political involvement, with Indonesian women leading the charge due to enhanced opportunities in education and politics. In addition, Facebook emerges as a crucible for the formation of political identities and ideologies among the youth in both nations, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

The insightful research presented by Wafa Hussain proves UIII’s focus on fostering an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and dedication. Wafa's journey is a testament to the dedication and resilience required to cultivate students who not only engage in academic discourse but also make significant contributions to their fields.