Indonesia’s Collective Spaces: Youth Identity and Social Dynamics

Since approximately 2017, a multitude of alternative and collective spaces have begun to sprout across Indonesia, catering to its youthful populace. This surge in spatial diversity aligns seamlessly with the presence of social media and content creators in urban centers nationwide.

Concurrently, governmental endorsement of digital start-ups has surged, with state-owned enterprises facilitating the establishment of co-working spaces across various city precincts. Paradoxically, this trend has invigorated a spirit of youthful resistance, manifesting in the form of the Collective Space Movement.

Social Tension in Sumatera

In its investigation across several Sumatran cities, YouthLab has uncovered a series of social tensions among the region’s youth, particularly concerning access to space and inclusivity issues. Interviews with local figures shed light on the struggles faced by young individuals in Medan, where efforts to establish exclusive community spaces for creative endeavors, collaboration, and social gatherings are underway.

However, navigating the legal landscape poses a significant challenge, with young organizers frequently encountering hurdles in event planning, often necessitating informal permissions from youth organizations with a reputation for intimidation tactics.