The surge of protest calls in various regions and the widespread use of hashtags on social media in recent weeks reflect a growing sense of public unease. This phenomenon is not only visible on the streets but also in digital spaces, which have become an important channel for people to voice their concerns.
In a discussion organized by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Faturochman from the Faculty of Psychology (Psychology UGM) said that the involvement of young people in demonstrations cannot be separated from the increasingly heavy psychological pressure felt by society.
He explained that mass protests represent both emotional and social reactions that emerge when formal channels of aspiration are no longer able to accommodate public grievances.
“When people are disappointed and see no signs of change, that suffocation will give rise to resistance, and this is a natural reaction in our social life,” said Professor Faturochman on Thursday (Sep. 4).
The professor emphasized that the participation of students, especially those from Generation Z, in demonstrations demonstrates that they possess a strong sense of social justice.
According to him, this generation is not apathetic; instead, it is actively seeking forms of political expression that align with its social experiences. Without healthy avenues for participation, however, their collective energy risks being reduced to anger alone.
“This phenomenon shows that young people are not apathetic but highly sensitive to issues of social justice,” he explained.
He also noted that mounting social and economic pressures have left many, particularly young people, facing uncertainty in their daily lives.
This situation is exacerbated by a growing distrust of the government, which is seen as failing to meet expectations.
In such conditions, demonstrations are perceived as the most logical and accessible outlet for expression.
“The social pressures faced by this generation, whether due to economic hardship or the erosion of trust in government, make street protests a channel widely regarded as legitimate,” he said.
Furthermore, Professor Faturochman argued that solutions to these issues cannot stop at momentary expressions of empathy from leaders. What is needed, he stressed, is genuine respect for the people as the nation’s greatest asset.
For him, sincere recognition of people’s potential will strengthen government legitimacy and maintain long-term political stability. Without respect, he warned, the relationship between leaders and citizens will remain fragile.
“More fundamental than empathy is respect. The people have enormous potential, and when they are not respected, trust will disappear,” he stated.
From this perspective, the wave of recent demonstrations should be understood as a warning for the state to be more responsive to the voice of the people.
This situation calls on leaders to establish more open and transparent channels of communication so that public grievances do not continue to accumulate.
If ignored, the emerging social energy may escalate into greater conflict.
On the other hand, if aspirations are managed openly, civic movements can serve as social capital that strengthens democracy.
Professor Faturochman reminded that public energy can become a constructive force if wisely managed, rather than suppressed through repressive measures.
He emphasized that the courage of leaders to listen and show respect to the people is the key to restoring public trust.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographers: Firsto and Salwa