HUKAMANEWS GreenFaith - Amid the anxieties of the climate crisis and the erosion of social tolerance, Indonesian youth are lighting candles of hope. They show up at the beaches, along riverbanks, and in digital spaces—proving that solidarity can be born from small steps.
Hening Parlan, Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and National Coordinator of GreenFaith Indonesia, sees them not as mere successors but as leaders already at work today. From their hands emerge simple yet meaningful movements. The question is, will we walk with them, or will we let the future be built by hands left to struggle alone? Here is the full note.
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Hashtags turn into hope. Indonesian youth weave interfaith solidarity, save the Earth, and strengthen peace.
IN an era when a thumb can mobilize the masses, social media is no longer just a showcase for lifestyles. It has become an arena for ideas, advocacy, and collective courage. In Indonesia, more than half the population is now active on social media. Out of 285 million people, 143 million actively engage on digital platforms. These numbers are not mere statistics—they represent the immense potential of youth to reshape history.
Yet behind their screens, young people face a double burden. They are the generation most vulnerable to the climate crisis—floods, extreme weather, and the loss of livelihoods. At the same time, they are caught in social conflicts marked by intolerance and polarization. These twin crises—environmental and social—demand creative, intelligent, and boundary-crossing responses.
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From Digital Action to Real Spaces
The power of social media has proven to be a spark for change. The Draw the Line campaign, for example, began as a digital movement and spread worldwide, including to Indonesia. Likewise, Faith for #SavePulauPari rallied interfaith solidarity to protect a small island threatened by rising seas.
At the local level, EcoBhinneka Muhammadiyah has organized a river festival in Banyuwangi, a beach cleanup in Ternate, and soap-making workshops using used cooking oil in Solo. These initiatives are rooted in a simple belief: when youth are given safe spaces, they can multiply hope into real action.
Here lies the paradox. While many elites remain busy with narrow political discourse, young people are shaping the future from the grassroots—linking ecology with peace and weaving solidarity through creativity.
Influencers as the New Face of Activism
Undeniably, today’s social movements are increasingly led by influencers. They enjoy direct connections with their audiences, can reach millions within hours, and inspire immediate action. This phenomenon can be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity.
Will the authenticity of these struggles be eroded by algorithms and viral trends? Or will the closeness of their language to young people help messages of climate justice and peace resonate more deeply? The answer depends on how we manage digital spaces.
Misinformation, hate speech, and polarization are real threats. Yet solutions exist: positive narratives, creative content, and interfaith collaboration. With these, social media can move beyond narcissism to become a bridge for collective action.