P054 Youth-Led Social Movements and Religious Moderation in Indonesia: Catalysts for Change

Abstract

This paper aims to reexamine the status and role of Indonesian youth as the nation's future generation, particularly in the context of religious moderation, with a focus on the best practices of youth-led religious social movements in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan. A qualitative descriptive methodology is employed, with primary data gathered through observations of youth participation in activities related to religious moderation. Secondary data was obtained through a literature review on youth engagement and religious moderation, providing a framework for both theoretical and practical analysis. The role of youth in religious moderation can be viewed as having a dual nature, akin to a double-edged sword, with both positive and negative potentials. On the one hand, youth are vulnerable to radicalization and extremism. On the other hand, through interventionist social movements that emphasize collaboration and tangible actions, youth can embody the ideals of religious moderation. Support from various societal elements is essential to enable youth to realize their potential, including opportunities for participation and critical academic engagement. For instance, advancing youth's role as central agents of human development in Indonesia's 2045 Vision and involving them in public policymaking across diverse fields of social life are crucial steps forward.