British, RI students discuss youth participation<\/p>\n
A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Politics and democracy do not always concern big issues
\nrelated to the state; they can also concern the smaller issues
\nand events that can be found in daily life.<\/p>\n
Youth participation in democracy was the main topic of a
\nseries of discussions held from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3 by the British
\nCouncil, the Coalition Against Corruption (KAK), the Muhammadiyah
\nTeen Association (IRM) and the United Kingdom Youth Parliament
\n(UKYP) in Jakarta, Yogyakarta and in Makassar, South Sulawesi.<\/p>\n
In Jakarta, several British student members of UKYP, which was
\nlaunched in 1999, shared their experiences on how to participate
\nin a democracy by joining organizations in their respective
\nhometowns.<\/p>\n
Emma Biermann, a college student and UKYP member, expressed
\nher happiness to be involved at a wide range of youth
\nparticipation levels.<\/p>\n
"I have now started to get involved in international projects.
\nIn the summer I went to India for an international summer school,
\nand Hampshire County Youth Council recently ran an exchange with
\nPolish young people," Biermann said.<\/p>\n
The 19-year-old, who is studying German and sociology, said
\nher participation in the organization had made her more confident
\nand nurture a broader frame of mind.<\/p>\n
Biermann, who had no interest in politics five years ago,
\nbelieved it was one of the most important sectors and could be
\nused to effect better change.<\/p>\n
Lauren Sullivan, a biochemistry student, said she joined the
\nUKYP because she wanted contribute her ideas on education and
\nenvironment.<\/p>\n
"In the UKYP, we discuss environment issues such as recycling
\nand also sustainable development education. My dream is I want to
\nbe part of the team which could save the planet!," 18-year-old
\nSullivan said.<\/p>\n
Another UKYP member, Alicia Kearns, explained that she joined
\nthe organization because she liked the attributes and principles
\nit represented, such as belief in justice, drive for change, love
\nfor discussion and fascination with politics.<\/p>\n
"I also like activities such as fund-rising, lobbying,
\nincreasing awareness and combating stereotypes," said Kearns, who
\nis also a student president of Amnesty International.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Deni, an IRM member, said that Indonesian youths
\ncould learn about how British youths organized themselves and how
\nthey voiced their interests.<\/p>\n
"It's a very useful discussion. We become more confident in
\njoining an organization. We know our rights and how to voice
\nthem," Deni said.<\/p>\n
He said Indonesian students could participate and share their
\nideas in many areas, from environmental issues to education.<\/p>\n
"Many things are related to youth's lives, but we have never
\nbeen (actively) involved. Many of us also do not care about
\nthis," he admitted.<\/p>\n
The IRM is the youth wing of the country's second largest
\nMuslim organization, Muhammadiyah.<\/p>\n
According to the Central Statistics Agency, the population of
\nIndonesian youths has now reached 55 million. A survey also said
\nthan many urban youths felt alienated because they were not
\ninvolved in activities that contributed to the development of
\ndemocracy in the country.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/british-ri-students-discuss-youth-participation-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}