Youth is always in dilemma between the adult’s point of view and their own. When they are assessed not to behave like adults, they are often considered to be wrong with the labeling of a negative stigma. Yet, beneath the stigma, they tried to portray the human sides that are critical in interpreting reality.
This was conveyed by UGM lecturer, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Subando Agus Margono, M.Si., in the discussion Youth and Identity, organized by Youth Studies Centre, in the Faculty’s Graduate Seminar Room, Tuesday (23/8) afternoon. According to Subando, based on the results of his research on youth life in the Sangkrah village, Solo, it is known that youth in the area is considered by local government and communities around the village as negative. "Not only were their behavior, but their village is also viewed negatively," he said.
Furthermore, Subando said that the condition experienced by the Sangkrah village youth is commonly experienced by poor youth in sub-urban areas in Indonesia. "The government often misinterpret the youth, often assuming the position of youth in a negative stigma on the moral behavior, in addition to the youth’s poor economic conditions," he added.
The stigma that is built on youth is currently experiencing a setback. Before Independence, the youth was considered as a thinker. During the Japanese occupation, the awareness of the youth was built to the fight against invaders to gain Independence. "Unfortunately, up until now the youths are not placed as agents of development. The state always misinterprets this matter," he concluded.