Research by PRAKSIS highlights a paradox in young people’s relationship with politics: while they value civic participation and political engagement in social settings, they remain disconnected from formal political institutions and organisations. The report, titled “Aspirations Without Institutions,” was presented at a Youth Political Dialogue event in December 2025 in Jakarta, bringing together diverse perspectives from political, economic, academic, and civil society sectors. The study focuses on the majority of young Indonesians aged 16-30, who navigate daily economic and social challenges without strong ties to political parties or activism. Using surveys of 400 individuals and focus groups with 26 participants in Jakarta, the research explores the structural and historical factors that influence their political involvement or disengagement, thereby contributing to ongoing efforts to foster a democracy that serves the common good.

Results of the Research
This PRAKSIS study, presented by Father Angga Indraswara, S.J., and researchers Andi Suryadi and Maria Rosiana Sedjahtera, identifies three key patterns among young Jakartans. Firstly, most are actively involved in social causes, such as supporting local products, addressing environmental issues, promoting minimalist lifestyles, and expressing concerns about unemployment, corruption, rising living costs, and education. They are highly engaged in social and political discourse, primarily through social media, which serves as their primary source of political information. Secondly, despite their activism, most are not affiliated with political institutions, lack connections with political representatives, and do not participate in political movements or volunteer organizations. They tend to avoid expressing political opinions publicly and often feel disillusioned or disappointed with politics. Lastly, due to these factors, their political engagement is limited primarily to voting in elections, which they regard as a safe and straightforward means of participation. The study attributes these patterns to limited economic resources, restricted access to formal political channels, and perceived risks associated with political involvement, which collectively lead to minimal and cautious engagement in political life.

Generation Meeting Institution
Several experts addressed PRAKSIS’s research findings. Arya Bima, Deputy Chair of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of these for understanding the dynamics of relationships between institutions and generations. He highlighted that today’s youth experiences shape their future political involvement, stressing that their digital familiarity and desire for freedom are significant factors.

Mari Elka Pangestu, Deputy Chair of the National Economic and Development Authority, viewed the findings as a crucial call to prioritize youth political participation in sustainable economic strategies. She warned that neglecting young citizens’ aspirations could undermine economic growth and advocated creating job opportunities to address their frustrations.

Bivitri Susanti, a constitutional law expert, noted that the research underscored her concerns that civil society focuses too much on institutional reform while overlooking the roles of political actors and citizens. She stated that civic education has struggled to break free from long-standing New Order influences and called for fostering values of justice and building interconnected social movements.

Inayah Wahid from the Gusdurian Network highlighted the increased pressures facing today’s youth, notably exacerbated by trauma and the digital world’s complexities. She acknowledged that young people often seek justice creatively, such as through political humor, and underscored the role of community organizations in mitigating youth trauma.

Shirley Santoso, President Director of Kearney, emphasized the need to involve youth in shaping democracy. She recognized them as practical and vital for civic change, asserting that establishing community networks is essential for channeling their ideas.

PRAKSIS noted that violence in mobilization arises from a political system that fails to provide outlets for marginalized citizens, leading to frustration that spills over into public protests.

Caring for the Future of Democracy Together
PRAKSIS recommends expanding political engagement among young citizens to protect democracy, emphasizing human dignity and the common good. This involves developing an empowering participatory governance model to effectively track and channel aspirations, ensuring institutional responses are transparent. Political expression, in both digital and non-digital realms, requires strong legal support. Additionally, civic capacity should be enhanced through community-based political assistance and education to make politics accessible and relatable. This approach aims to foster civic habits and discourse through everyday actions, facilitating a deeper connection to political processes among young citizens.

Contributor: Andi Suryadi – PRAKSIS Researcher