The rise of digital dreams
Long before the Covid-19 pandemic, the global market was enthusiastically embracing the digital technology boom in the late 90s. Dotcom companies were prime investment targets, and in 1999, computers worldwide were running on Intel Pentium III processors, flash drives were newly introduced, Napster made its debut offering free mp3 uploads, Blackberry had just been launched, Y2K anxieties loomed large, and Jack Ma, along with 17 partners, founded Alibaba.
In 1999, the valuation of dotcom companies surged dramatically. Young professionals flocked to these companies, drawn by the promise of a bright future and high prestige. However, just three years later, in 2002, the dotcom bubble burst, leading to a severe drop in valuations and numerous bankruptcies. This economic phenomenon highlighted the gap between the narrative of technology’s potential and its actual capacity to enhance human life
Thirteen years after the dotcom bubble, a new narrative of digital technology emerged. Promoted by prominent figures like economist Klaus Schwab at the World Economic Forum, this narrative introduced the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The foundation of this narrative rested on Moore’s Law, a projection by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore, predicting the exponential acceleration of microprocessor technology. As microprocessors are central to 21st-century digital technology, this trend was expected to significantly impact all facets of life intertwined with digital advancements
The Dawn of a Technological Epoch
The narrative of the Fourth Industrial Revolution extends beyond the rapid pace of microprocessor development, delving into artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. These advancements are hailed as tools that will make future generations’ lives more efficient and practical. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, keywords like Artificial Intelligence and Singularity were often heard. In the 90s, these concepts were the stuff of post-apocalyptic sci-fi films like James Cameron’s “Terminator.” Today, AI is a daily fixture in young people’s lives.
Singularity refers to a point where artificial superintelligence surpasses human intelligence, fundamentally altering life as we know it. Futurist Ray Kurzweil illustrated this with AI’s potential to create artistic masterpieces, suggesting that future software could outperform humans in writing poetry or composing music. This vision is echoed in the sophisticated AI, Jarvis, from Marvel’s “Iron Man”. In the near future, AI might replicate masterpieces like The Beatles’ songs or Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” by leveraging vast amounts of digital user data, which now is in the process of happening.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Ray Kurzweil affirmed in his book “The Singularity Is Near” that the world was experiencing exponential technological acceleration. By “exponential,” Kurzweil meant that the time between each technological innovation is shrinking.
This applies not only to digital technology but also to biotechnology. Kurzweil predicts that in about 30 years, humans will be smarter, more productive, and happier, potentially achieving immortality with the help of embedded technologies. This perspective, known as transhumanism, is widely embraced by young professionals in Silicon Valley
The Shift in Political Aspirations
The book “The People vs Tech” by Jamie Bartlett vividly explains the emergence of new ideologies alongside the development of the singularity narrative. Techno-Utopian view has taken hold, positing that technology is not merely a tool but a set of values and assumptions shaping society. This perspective draws historical parallels with the invention of the printing press, penny press, telegraph, and radio, each of which transformed public perception and societal norms.
Steve Jobs epitomized the glorification of Techno-Utopian views, blending countercultural and entrepreneurial elements. His philosophy, often referred to as “The Californian Ideology,” was introduced by Richard Barbrook and Andy Cameron. This ideology merges San Francisco’s cultural bohemianism with free-market zeal, promoting the belief that technology can resolve traditional political and social struggles
Simultaneously, numerous think tanks funded by wealthy corporations have emerged, shaping public opinion, particularly among young people who are more receptive to change. Cultural platforms like TED Talks and similar events subtly influence youth perspectives on technology, the free market, and social movements through social media.
Their discourse glamorizes tech careers and the promise of innovation, influencing educational systems and career aspirations, with many young people aspiring to become tech entrepreneurs or social media stars with the belief that technology could solve all societal problems. In many ways, this discourse has reshaped the landscape of local youth movements.
The Evolution of Youth Activism
Environmental activism among Indonesia youth has traditionally been ideologically aligned with progressive ‘leftist’ movements, rooted in university campuses since the activism of the ’66, ’77, and 1998 Reformasi generations. Campus activists, often advocating for laborers, workers’ and farmers’ rights, frequently addressed both human rights issues and the environmental impact of industry. However, the early years following the 1998 reform era saw a significant ideological shift. The landscape of progressive campus movements underwent a drastic transformation.
The rapid growth of the Tarbiyah Islamic movement on various state university campuses paralleled the escalation of the Palestine-Israel conflict in 2000 and the Poso riots in late 1998. The spirit of the intifada in Palestine in 2000, along with religious conflicts in Poso, shifted student activism from progressive ‘leftist’ ideologies to Islamic dawah movements.
Formal campus organizations like the Student Senate and Executive Student Body gradually came to be dominated by Tarbiyah students, informally affiliated with an Islamic party founded in late 1998. Squeezed out by the Tarbiyah movement during the early reform period, progressive student activism sought new spaces outside the campus environment.
This coincided with the rise of social media platforms like Twitter in 2006. The off-campus student movements began to blend elements of popular culture, lifestyle, engagement with social media key opinion leaders, and global issues aligning with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
What was once self-funded progressive activism transformed into a target for youth brand sponsorships. This reimagined activism reflected a broader cultural shift, where the ideals of the past merged with the digital age, creating new forms of advocacy and engagement. The blend of ideology and algorithm signified a new era in youth activism, driven by both technological innovation and evolving political landscapes.
Modern Activism
The Indonesian Youth Conference (IYC), founded by Alanda Kariza, and Indonesian Future Leaders (IFL), established by Iman Usman, have set a new benchmark for progressive movements among the youth. Their events, often held in luxurious venues, blend entertainment with important discussions on environmental issues, drawing in public figures and celebrities to amplify their message.
This success has caught the attention of brands targeting the youth market, merging environmental concerns, youth activism, and pop culture into a novel commercial approach. Consequently, content creators, influencers, and celebrities increasingly align themselves with environmental causes, aware of the sponsorship potential within the industry. Traditional progressive activists are slowly losing their appeal among the younger generation.
The stereotypical campus activist of the late 90s, reminiscent of Soe Hok Gie with long hair, flannel shirts, and cargo pants, has been replaced by hipster activists sporting branded clothing. The classic “Madilog” book has given way to biographies of global figures like Muhammad Yunus or Barack Obama.
Street protests and public transport commutes have been replaced by well-attended talk shows in trendy cafés. Around 2015-2016, another evolution in youth progressive movements emerged, fueled by the wider distribution of indie (independent) albums, spearheaded by labels like Demajors, founded in 2001.
Independent bands and artists such as Ikhsan Skuter from Malang, Tuan 13 from Jakarta, Navicula from Bali, Semak Belukar and Auman from Palembang, infused social- political and environmental narratives into their music. These independent artists fostered a unique niche of young audience within the Indonesian market. As the indie culture thrived, spontaneous, self-sustaining collective spaces began to emerge, distributing indie albums and alternative zines in major cities.
Hundreds of these collective spaces evolved beyond music appreciation hubs into venues for critical literacy and discussions on socio-political issues, urban problems, freedom of expression, and environmental sustainability. These inclusive spaces became particularly significant following the polarization and religious intolerance issues that surged after the 2016 ‘Islam 212’ movement.
Tobacco brands, keen on maintaining their influence over youth culture, were among the first to recognize and support the social roles of these collective spaces. The financial contributions from tobacco brands between 2016-2019 significantly accelerated the growth of these spaces.
Future Activism
In Indonesia today, Generation Z is not only dominating the narrative and public spaces but also reshaping the contours of youth activism. This generation’s unique activism archetype sets them apart from their predecessors, they are driven by distinct experiences set by contemporary crises and nuances.
Directly impacted by climate change, economic disruptions due to digital innovation, and the effects of policy on economic conditions and employment, Generation Z is a pivotal force in redefining the trends of activism among the young generation.
As digital natives, Generation Z in Indonesia embraces its identity within the global village, experiencing a deep connection between global political issues and their personal lives. The Palestine issue is a prime example of how Indonesian Generation Z is intertwined with global activism.
In mid-2024, this manifested in various digital and offline movements, including boycotts and street demonstrations, as responses to support Palestinian independence and call for an end to the conflict. These actions underscore the generation’s commitment to engaging with and impacting global narratives through activism
Within the Gen Z demographic, activism appears to be a hybrid of the archetypes from previous eras. A Gen Z activist might emerge independently outside traditional organizations like HMI (Islamic Students Association) or GMNI (Indonesian National Student Movement), or even from a university’s student executive body.
These young activists can rise to prominence through viral social media content focusing on one or two pivotal issues, or through persistent engagement with various hot-button political topics that resonate deeply within the community. This new wave of activism showcases their unique approach to addressing societal concerns, blending modern digital tools with enduring social engagement.
TikToker Bima Yudho, through his account @awbimaxreborn, has been hailed as an activist representing the interests of Lampung residents. His rise to activism was catalyzed when his video criticizing the poor development of public road facilities in Lampung, titled “Why Lampung Can’t Progress,” went viral on TikTok and subsequently spread across other social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Karin Novilda Sulaiman, known on social media as Awkarin, gained her activist credentials almost instantly. Known for her music content filled with sensuality and nightlife themes, she became an overnight activist sensation after her photos went viral on social media. These images captured her distributing free meals to students protesting against the labor laws in 2019, showcasing a new brand of digital-era activism where moments of compassion fuse with social media influence to spark significant youth support.
In a notable shift on the social-political stage, a youthful figure who self-proclaims as the “President of Gen Z,” Rian Fahardi, is often spotlighted as an activist across various platforms. By 2024, Fahardi’s TikTok account, boasting two million followers, has become a regular conduit for responding to the surge of political issues that populate both traditional and social media landscapes.
Similarly influential yet distinct, Cania Citta (@cania_citta on Twitter), a public observer and speaker, who also hosts a podcast dedicated to the realm of critical thinking, has emerged as a leading voice for progressive ideas among Generation Z. Her persistent engagement on social media platforms in the form of podcasts, craft narratives for critical young thought, solidifies her stance in the discourse.
The future of activism in Indonesia represents a dynamic fusion of the “Californian Ideology,” which posits technology as the grand solution for the nation’s socio-political challenges, intertwined with an indie ethos that criticized establishment norms and values grassroots movements.
This modern persona is not only open to market collaborations but also adept at content creation, mirroring the progressive youth movements around 2009 initiated by the Indonesian Youth Congress (IYC). Together, these elements signify a transformative approach to activism, blending old and new paradigms in the quest for social change.
The activists of the future are those who are innovative and creative in responding to various social and political issues. They are open to show their personal life and views, they hold a perspective of social justice without an obligation to align with any specific ideology. These activists do not necessarily emerge from formal youth organizations.
They also could be divided into two camps in their view of the world. On one side are those who present a discourse of pessimism about Indonesia’s future, often seen as opponents of the government. On the opposite side are those who offer a discourse of optimism, frequently regarded as government supporters.
According to World in Data, Indonesia’s youth demographic will continue to dominate the country’s population over the next 5 to 10 years. Generation Z, in particular, will fill key leadership and policymaking positions in Indonesia. Today’s Gen Z activism is a reflection of the future face of Indonesian politics. Therefore, the archetypes, ideologies, and patterns of today’s Gen Z activists can be seen as the early stirrings of what might be called “future activism.”