Young creators use social media to drive impactful action

Young content creators Jerhemy Owen, Elsa Novia Sena, and Hendri Alejandro are using social media platforms to drive concrete actions that have a positive impact on society.

At an event celebrating the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia titled “Positive Works for Indonesia” in Jakarta on Tuesday, Jerhemy Owen said that the movement he started on digital platforms has since transformed into real action to help communities in remote areas.

“Some of the programmes I have worked on through social media include Wenanam, where we planted trees last year and again this year,” said the environmental content creator.

“There is also the construction of clean water access, called Wengalir. We built clean water access in East Nusa Tenggara and also built schools,” said the owner of the @jerhemynemoo account.

Elsa Novia Sena, a content creator focusing on history, culture, and tourism, has expanded her efforts in presenting narratives about the acculturation of Chinese Peranakan and Javanese cultures in Tangerang into educational tour activities.

“Because I created content on TikTok, I started a Chinese cultural tour called Benteng Walking Tour, which directly introduces the Cina Benteng culture in my area to local people and those from outside Tangerang,” she said.

“We have even had participants from Malaysia, the Netherlands, Japan, and recently from China,” said the owner of the @elsa.novias account regarding the tour participants.

Hendri Alejandro explained that Ibun Mall collects garment products from the Ibun District area of Bandung Regency to be marketed through online platforms.

“The activities include live shopping and more,” said Hendri, owner of the @Ibun_mall account.

The content creators are using the spirit of independence to encourage collective actions that bring tangible benefits to society, including protecting the environment, preserving regional culture, and promoting local products.