SEMARANG, November 18, 2025 – A public discussion talk show on the topic “Political Participation for the Zillennial Generation in Regional Development” was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM WIB, in the PKM Hall, Building D, 1st Floor, FISIP Undip. This event is a collaboration between the Department of Politics and Government Science and the National Unity and Politics Agency (BKN), aiming to encourage the active involvement of Generation Z students in the political and democratic process while raising their awareness of regional development. On the same occasion, as part of a shared commitment to improving political education and national insight, FISIP Undip and the Central Java Kesbangpol signed a cooperation agreement for this public discussion.
The public discussion began with remarks by the Head of the Department of Politics and Government Science, FISIP Undip, Dr. Nur Hidayat, S.Sos., M.Si., emphasized the potential of Generation Z as agents of change, playing a significant role in the development process. The role of Generation Z in regional development was reiterated by the Head of the Central Java Provincial Kesbangpol, Pradhana Agung Nugraha, S.STP., MM, as the keynote speaker. Pradhana welcomed the collaboration with the Department of Politics and Governmental Sciences as an effort to empower the younger generation to develop a strong sense of social empathy.
The event continued with the main event, a public discussion moderated by Hanifa Maylasari, S.I.P., M.Sos. Speakers included representatives from the Department of Politics and Governmental Sciences, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Diponegoro University (FISIP), the Central Java Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD), and the Undip Student Executive Board (BEM). They addressed several issues, including digital politics, Generation Z representation in regional development, and the dynamics of youth in driving social change.
The Urgency of Gen Z Political Participation in Regional Development
Padmasari Mestikajati, S.IP., M.Si., highlighted the differences between Generation Z and previous generations, characterized by characteristics such as openness to technology, creativity, acceptance of differences, concern for others, and a love of expression. Padmasari stated that these characteristics can open up numerous opportunities to improve the quality of democracy. Furthermore, efforts to raise Generation Z’s political awareness in regional development require discussion forums, the development of policy ideas, and cross-sector collaboration.
Youth and Contemporary Politics
Government Science lecturer Faiz Kasyfilham, S.I.P., M.A., as the second resource person, explained three main dynamics in contemporary politics. These three dynamics are crucial for youth participation: reconstructing social stigma through addressing issues to refute the perception that young people are labeled apathetic and disconnected from political activity; the challenges of social media that can lead to digital fatigue; and the gap in representation between young people and policymakers.
Political Education: Youth at the Crossroads of Interests
The Head of the Undip Student Executive Board, Aufa Atha Ariq, was a student representative and spoke at this public discussion. He stated that Gen Z is closely connected to creativity and digital speed, resulting in a shift in participation from physical demonstrations to digital channels through social media, which has become the primary means of fostering political awareness. Aufa stated that Generation Z is experiencing a crossroads between careers as individuals and democracy as political. The majority of Generation Z currently distrusts the political system and focuses more on the more certain individual aspects.
From this public discussion, we hope the students as the younger generation, to become drivers of social change. Ongoing collaboration between academic institutions and the government will continue to be developed to achieve meaningful political participation among the younger generation.





0 Comments