PMII (In-depth case study)

Pergerakan Mahasiswa Islam Indonesia (PMII) – In-depth case study

This in-depth case study report was written by MSc Social Development Practice (University College London, UK) students Zara Ayaz, Shuyu Peng, Tim Lin, Mrinalinee Sharma, Stella Huang and Ran Wang based on their Overseas Practice Engagement in Surakarta, Indonesia in collaboration with the YUP project. The students were supported by local facilitators Bima Pratama Putra, Anisa Debby Oktaviani, Binar Asri Lestari.

Note: This report has been edited for presentation on the YUP website.

1. INTRODUCTION

Pergerakan Mahasiswa Islam Indonesia (PMII), was founded in Surabaya on 17 April 1960. PMII is headquartered in the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia. PMII’s organisational structure consists of: 

1. General Management (PB).
2. Branch Coordinating Management (PKC).
3. Branch Manager (PC) and/or International Branch Manager (PCI).
4. Commissariat Management (PK).
5. District Manager (PR).

PMII Surakarta is the city-level wing of the national PMII. In 2024, the structure of PMII Surakarta consists of Secretary, Treasurer, Religious Affairs, Cadreization Bureau, Member Potential Development Bureau, Commissariat Development Bureau, Network Bureau, Media Bureau, Study Bureau, Bureau of Religious Studies, Entrepreneurship Bureau and KOPRI.

According to an interview conducted by YUP citizen scientists, there is a semi-autonomous division inside PMII, focusing on issues related to women’s empowerment, called KOPRI (Korps Pergerakan Mahasiswa Islam Indonesia Putri/Corps of Indonesian Islamic Women Student Movement). KOPRI was established in 1967 to provide space for female members in learning, capacity building, and advocating women issues.

Based on research conducted by students from the MSc Social Development  Practice, including document analysis, interviews, focus groups and observations of the PMII, this report will discuss the history and stakeholders of the PMII, their objectives, activities, and the support and barriers they have encountered in relation to youth participation in urban governance. Additionally, through the study of PMII, we will reflect on how young people’s participation in urban governance is conceptualised and framed in global debates and wider agendas for inclusive youth participation in urban governance. We will also analyse Solo’s youth participation in urban governance from a citizenship perspective.

2. Case Study Analysis

2.1. Mission and objectives

PMII’s mission states “The aim of PMII is to produce Indonesian Muslim individuals who are loyal to Allah SWT, ethical, knowledgeable, capable, responsible, committed to practising their knowledge and committed to fighting for the ideals of Indonesian independence.” While there is a general consensus on the main goals, there are subtle differences in how different individuals view and prioritise these goals. Most would say it is for young people to use their knowledge to contribute to society and fight for Indonesia’s independence, while some would say it is more of a neutral institution that aspires to build more religious tolerance and inclusiveness.

Most believe that this goal is still in the process of being achieved, and performance criteria seem to revolve around observable behaviours such as commitment to the organisation’s ideals, the application of knowledge in society, and the balance between religious and social engagement. Economic status and activities were cited as external factors that may affect member commitment. One of our interviewees emphasised that the achievement of PMII’s goals can be reflected in members’ behaviour and commitment. This means that the performance criteria focus on observing the level of action and participation in PMII activities and initiatives. Behaviours that are consistent with the organisation’s values and mission will be seen as indicators of positive outcomes. cess.

Based on an interview conducted by YUP citizen scientists, PMII’s 2024–2025 agenda emphasises urban issues and democracy, reflecting the electoral context of this period. The organisation also prioritises cadre formation and capacity building for its members, strengthening networks with alumni and other organisations, and positioning itself as a pioneer in youth-led initiatives addressing various issues in Indonesia.

2.2. Context of the initiative’s focus

PMII is one of the most attractive youth organisations in Indonesia for young leaders, and a cradle for many politicians before formally joining political parties. PMII has a very large scale and complex organisational structure, and also has corresponding branches outside of Surakarta.

According to an interview with the leader, PMII was established due to the needs from students of Islamic high schools and universities to participate and voice their aspirations surrounding the ideology of aswaja. Aswaja is a way of thinking in solving religion and social problems of the Nahdatul Ulama, one of the major Islamic organisations in Indonesia.

PMII focuses on five key areas, which are gender issues, education, religion and culture, environment and current issues. 

Gender issues are one of the core concerns of the PMII. One of our interviewees, an event planner at PMII, is a woman of great organisation and vision. She has been part of gender camps since 2023. Organizers of the gender camps provide projectors and camping equipment, plan activities, and organise events. In their daily operation, the thoughts, opinions and needs of female members are accepted  as an essential part of the organisation. They are also active in defending women’s rights by participating in social discussions and protests.

PMII members must be Muslim. Religion and culture is a topic of high interest and concern to PMII members. Organisation members have been  reflecting on the way to combine organisational development and religion. At the same time, the love of Indonesian and Javanese culture has allowed many members to engage the current topics  and modern issues while  connecting to history and culture.

In the political field, PMII works with NGOs and the government and mobilises young people at the grassroots level to promote political participation, awareness and political engagement of youth. They focus on regulations and elections. A member we interviewed shared the story of 5000 people holding a sit-in at the main road in front of a government building to protest and eventually succeed to get the government to roll back unreasonable regulations.

As for environmental topics, PMII cares about pollution and waste. They view Indonesia as an island nation with limited resources, which is easily affected by environmental issues such as pollution and waste.

Finally, Current issues are the largest and most significant part of the group’s weekly discussions. These issues resonate strongly with members and their passion for defending people’s rights. Among recent issues, three have attracted the most attention: tax, labour, and education fees. High taxes and high education costs have caused great economic pressure and life troubles to local residents. PMII has been working to fight against some of the policies creating these issues.

2.3. Timeline/ history of the initiative

In order to empower youth, advance social justice, and promote active involvement in national development, PMII Surakarta was founded with the goal of cultivating Islamic principles and leadership among university students. It was started because there was a need for a forum where young Muslims could learn how to lead, participate in thought-provoking conversations, and advance society. A group of university students and local academics in Surakarta launched the effort with the goal of bringing people together via activism, education, and religious principles.

PMII Surakarta’s external relations with various stakeholders have been instrumental in enhancing its impact and sustainability. The organisation’s projects have been supported and access to resources and knowledge has been made possible through collaborations with international organisations, NGOs, and local government authorities. Mutual funding opportunities and cooperative community development projects have been the outcome of strategic relationships with the Surakarta city government. By collaborating with non-governmental organisations, PMII has been able to access more resources and knowledge in fields including human rights, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. Additionally, relationships with Islamic youth organisations and international student organisations have made it easier to carry out global awareness campaigns and cultural exchange programmes. The efficiency of PMII Surakarta in fostering social change and youth development has been enhanced by these external relations, which have also broadened its reach and enhanced the organisation’s programmes. 

2.4. Constituency

The PMII Surakarta initiative works primarily with university students, local youth, and marginalised communities within Surakarta and the surrounding regions, includes the urban and rural areas. The constituents are diverse in terms of age, gender, and socio-economic background, reflecting the broad aim of the initiative to foster inclusive growth and leadership among Indonesian youth.

Most of the constituents are not official members of PMII but participate in its activities, workshops, and advocacy programs, which are often held in local universities that PMII cooperates with and community centers, providing accessible platforms for engagement. The initiative specifically targets young Muslims, aiming to cultivate leadership, ethical conduct, and social responsibility in alignment with Islamic principles. Based on the interview conducted by YUP citizen scientists, in areas where Muslims are considered minorities, young people of other religions also become part of PMII. A head of teams mentioned that, while they are open for everyone to register, PMII mostly recruits new students for longer engagement, and those who have a background or are familiar with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).

PMII engages with its members and general youth through different approaches such as gender camps  and focus group discussions. The impact of the initiative is evident in the increased political awareness and community involvement among the youth. Regular feedback is collected through semi structured interviews and daily interactions, ensuring that the constituents’ voices are heard and their needs addressed. 

2.5. Main current activities

We discussed PMII’s main current activities through targeted interviews with different members of the institution. The PMII is actively engaged in a variety of activities that address both social and political issues. These activities are primarily conducted at various PMII offices located throughout the region and within universities. The group’s main actions include creating platforms for discussion and promoting community engagement through both physical and digital means.

One of the key activities undertaken by the PMII is the organisation of discussions and workshops that focus on pressing issues such as gender equality and political awareness. These events often take the form of gender camps and political protests, where members come together to debate and share perspectives. Such gatherings are crucial for fostering a sense of community and activism among the youth.

According to the interview by YUP citizen scientists, the main activity also includes cadre formation. PMII has a systematic and structured cadre level and curriculum. The cadre levels in PMII include New Member Admission Period (Mapaba), Basic Cadre Training (PKD), and Advanced Cadre Training (PKL), National Cadre Training (PKN). In addition, PMII organizes internal discussions to discuss a topic or popular issue to increase the capacity of cadres.

KOPRI, a semi-autonomous part of PMII, organises activities for female cadres in PMII in the form of joint meals and discussions, tailored to the needs and desires of members. KOPRI has an annual agenda called Gender Camp to internalize the understanding of KOPRI values and discuss current gender issues and can be attended by all members.

Digital technology plays a central role in these activities. The PMII leverages online tools to enhance their outreach and engagement. For instance, they have developed a website that serves as a hub for sharing opinions and articles. This website not only allows for the dissemination of information but also facilitates interactive discussions through its comment section, making it a dynamic platform for engagement. In addition to the website, PMII utilises social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp to organise events and facilitate discussions. These platforms are instrumental in reaching a wider audience, particularly young people who are the primary members and participants of the PMII. Social media also serves as a powerful tool for promoting events and mobilising support for various causes.

The PMII is also exploring more sophisticated uses of technology. A member of the PMII suggests that the organisation could benefit from digitalising its records and creating a comprehensive database of its activities and history. Such a database would not only preserve the organisation’s legacy but also make it more accessible to new members and the public, facilitating easier access to information and resources. Furthermore, another PMII member points out the potential for enhancing event promotion through targeted digital strategies. By tapping into platforms that are popular among their audience, like online second-hand market forums and Instagram, PMII can effectively increase visibility and participation in their events.

2.7 Model of Young People’s Participation

PMII primarily receives its funding from three main sources: alumni contributions, member dues, and partnerships with governmental bodies and NGOs. Additionally, there are indications of occasional grant funding. Alumni play a significant role in the funding mechanism, providing not only financial resources but also strategic suggestions, though these  suggestions are not binding. This mechanism ensures accountability while allowing the PMII the autonomy to implement suggestions at their discretion. Member contributions further underscore a communal investment in the PMII’s activities, whereas collaborations with external entities expand their resource pool and operational capabilities. Occasionally, the leader of PMII mentioned that they sell goods such as t-shirts to support their funding.

Despite these diverse funding streams, financial challenges persist. PMII struggles with sufficiency as highlighted by an interviewee mentioning that the budget falls short of meeting all their activity costs, leading to occasional overruns. Another member echoes this sentiment, noting the strategic necessity of prioritising essential activities such as gender camps and training to manage limited funds effectively. Overall, while the funding is generally adequate to support crucial operations, it is not always sufficient to cover every desired project, emphasising a need for careful financial planning and perhaps increased fundraising efforts.

Through various participatory spaces, young people in PMII are involved within the initiative. These spaces include invited, claimed, and co-produced, shaping their participation and impact on urban governance. While PMII uses all three spaces, invited spaces are most commonly used, providing structured and formal opportunities for involvement.

PMII has many structured and agenda driven activities, often including workshops, seminars, and formal events. For example, PMII uses government funding and collaborations to provide platforms for young people to engage in societal issues in controlled environments- these programmes allow for PMII’s main goals and objectives to be easily achieved. The annual gender camp, held since June 2021, focuses on advocacy against sexual harassment and is also open to all genders. It works as an invited space, where members are formally invited, and pay a fee to engage in the structured program. Members also have monthly meetings which are planned in the previous year during Ramadan, in order to achieve PMII’s aim to keep all members aligned with religion and worldly issues.

On the other hand, PMII also holds many informal initiatives that involve organic participation. These claimed spaces have allowed for more spontaneous and flexible forms of participation, driven by the immediate interests of the youth. A very common form of participation that PMII has conducted in its history has been the use of protests. Some examples of these protests include the 2001 protest against the new order, or the advocacy for eviction against RKHUP in 2021. This was a job creation law, which was revisited after PMII’s organised protest. Both of these protests were started by the youth’s desire for change. These activities reflect the personal and collective interests of PMII, giving them a platform to address issues that are of significance to them without formal initiations. 

Less often, PMII has collaborations with other formal institutions, which lead to shared decision-making and mutual influence. These co produced spaces combine the structure of invited spaces with the flexibility of claimed spaces. PMII has previously worked with local government or NGOs, for example PMII partnered with election watch agencies in order to ensure governmental votes weren’t miscounted during the presidential elections of Indonesia. This collaboration allowed for the active contribution of young people both in the planning and implementation of the initiative. Both externally and internally, gender dynamics and power relations influence PMII’s participation. 

Interestingly, although most of PMII’s members that attend the sessions are men, women hold significant leadership roles, reflecting the initiative’s deep focus on gender equality and inclusivity; in the Solo branch, the ‘leader’ is a woman. After being dismantled in 2000, the women’s department was re-established in 2017, highlighting the ongoing struggle and resilience of women in the Islamic organisation. The youth’s involvement in an urban government exemplifies the use of advocacy and protest, such as drafting, and campaigning for anti-sexual harassment laws. This demonstrates the dynamic interplay between working within systems to promote change and challenging these through public demonstration.

2.8 Challenges and Supporting Factors

Several factors support the work of PMII. Firstly, a shared ideology and beliefs among members foster unity and a strong sense of purpose. This common ground helps in building a cohesive group where everyone is aligned towards the same goals. The influence of alumni, who often remain actively involved, also plays a crucial role. Alumni bring valuable experience, insights, and networks that are beneficial for the organisation. PMII emphasises maintaining a collaborative nature and reducing competition among members, which helps in improving collaboration and effective teamwork. By promoting humility and respect, members can work together more effectively without personal conflicts hindering progress. The organisation also focuses on maintaining Islamic togetherness in social activities, reinforcing a sense of community and belonging among its members.

Additionally, PMII benefits from creating networks with influential figures in the city. These connections expand opportunities and resources, allowing the organisation to tap into a broader range of support and expertise. The organisation provides spaces for learning politics and implementing knowledge, thereby increasing members’ understanding and practical skills. This educational aspect is crucial for personal and professional development, making PMII a valuable platform for growth. The faculty network, comprising members who share the same ideology, further strengthens PMII’s activities by providing academic support and mentorship. This network ensures that members have access to knowledgeable advisors who can guide them through various challenges.

Finally, the wide alumni network offers substantial support and resources. Alumni often contribute financially and provide mentorship, ensuring the sustainability and growth of PMII’s initiatives. Their continued involvement helps bridge the gap between current members and the professional world, offering insights and opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. The combination of these factors—shared ideology, alumni influence, collaboration, community focus, external networks, educational opportunities, faculty support, and a strong alumni network—creates a robust foundation for PMII’s ongoing work and success. Each element plays a vital role in supporting the organisation, enabling it to thrive and make a meaningful impact on its members and the wider community.

However, in recent years, particularly since the onset of COVID-19, PMII has faced significant challenges with declining membership. A major factor is the reduced interest among young people in joining the organisation. Three years ago, the KM (MBKM / Merdeka Belajar Kampus Mengajar) programme introduced a paid internship initiative that encouraged students to gain experience beyond the university campus while earning university credits. This programme has become highly attractive to students, drawing their focus away from traditional organisations like PMII. Another contributing factor is the decreased willingness of students to engage in physical spaces and activities post-COVID. Many young people now prioritise personal benefits over collective advocacy, making it harder for PMII to attract committed members. Additionally, encouraging members to always take part in activities provides its own challenge, particularly in a state university with a more diverse type of students.

Additionally, PMII faces several internal challenges that hinder its effectiveness. Poor communication within the organisation and conflicts with campus or work affairs create obstacles to smooth operations. Financial issues are also significant, as PMII is an independent institution requiring extra active efforts to secure funding. The complexity of realising activities is heightened by the lack of comfortable places for gatherings and inadequate facilities. Access to  information is another hurdle, and obstacles in procurement and marketing are exacerbated by the reliance on funding from management and members. The adjustment of participants and budgets during activities further complicates planning and implementation. Moreover, the insufficient funding sources and slow responsiveness from the government impede PMII’s ability to advocate effectively for their demands. Overall, these multifaceted challenges highlight the need for strategic improvements in communication, funding, and infrastructure to support PMII’s mission and activities. 

Further, there is a specific challenge faced by female members. Since PMII membership is dominated by male members, young female members feel more comfortable to participate in KOPRI activities. Female cadres also have a higher chance of disengagement in organisational activities, particularly if certain activities mostly involve men and there are no female members to accompany them attending such events. PMII and KOPRI should create programmes that cater to the needs of these young women.

2.9. Digital Tools

Through an interview with the communication and information department, we have learnt how contemporary youth participation in Surakarta has been conducted through the means of e-governance related IT technology, such as smart government, smart living, smart economy, smart branding, smart engines, smart environment and smart involvement. The local government and its relevant bureaus created these technologies to allow the interaction with the youth group, along with the collaboration between local institutions and universities such as PMII, UMS Surakarta, etc. 

Using 337 existing information systems, data were collected, classified and analysed, allowing for the  creation of targeted social programs focusing on poverty, social production and education. Technology also allows PMII to build connections with the likes of Unit Layanan Aduan Surakarta / Surakarta Complaint Service Unit (ULAS), which is the official complaint channel of the Solo City Government. When youth groups in Surakarta identify relevant issues, they decide which complaints go to the ULAS app by writing and uploading their opinions. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people reported relevant health conditions to the government through the ULAS app, the government will then respond within the next few days and make support available. 

PMII has various platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, but as the main platform PMII uses Instagram. In addition to the use of digital tools, there is also online news where they collaborate with journalists to do some writing on urban issues. Some breakthroughs are more frequent in terms of writing published in online news. However, this period has decreased due to the capacity of members.

In educating through social media we share our thoughts on how democracy in Indonesia is faltering, and we also summarise the seminars we conduct. In accommodating a larger audience, PMII publishes through Instagram and often uses the zoom meeting platform in its open discussions, which also opens up opportunities to attract more participants.

3. Reflections and Lessons Learned

International charters on youth frame young people as key stakeholders in urban development. These charters advocate for their meaningful involvement in decision making processes concerning urban governance, planning, and management (United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2016). According to Frank (2006), young people are marginalised and disenfranchised due to adult-centric planning practices, which exclude young people from public decision-making. He argues that “communities, composed of both youth and adults, benefit directly from the project and policy outcomes of youth participation because youth act as resources and support common values, and larger society benefits indirectly from the social learning that occurs.” (Frank, 2006, p. 352). 

Each subject faculty (department) at the five universities associated with PMII Surakarta is connected with professionals in the same field. For example, students studying agriculture would be connected with farmers in the area, those studying medicine with doctors, and so on. Through these faculty networks, PMII advocates for the Mustad’afin, that is, the marginalised in society, or those whose voices are not heard. This approach goes beyond the narrow conception of “adults” of what and who young people care about and how they enact their beliefs. PMII members here are acting as a bridge between youth and adults. A PMII member says, “As people grow older, they lose the idealism of youth. PMII alumni who were very active as students joined politics and administration, but as we know, capitalism is our common enemy, so most people forget their values as they grow older and settle into professional life. As PMII, we try to connect with the older generation and keep that idealism alive” (FGD 1, May 2024). This social learning is invaluable.

Traditionally, citizenship is conceptualised as membership within a nation-state. This state-centred, status-based perspective has been contested by those who view citizenship as society-centred and practice-based (Kabeer, 2002). Therefore, citizenship can encompass relationships with the state and/or with a group, society, or community. It is both a status—or an identity—and a practice or process of engaging with the social world through exercising rights/protections and fulfilling obligations (Meer and Sever, 2004, p. 6). In both cases, there exists a relationship between citizens, the state, the market, and civil society (Kabeer, 2002).

Within this context, PMII members practice citizenship on two levels: first, as citizens of Indonesia who advocate for justice for Indonesians, and second, as members of PMII, shaping their engagement with society based on the values of the organisation. They continue to maintain this distinct identity even as alumni. Understanding inclusive citizenship requires viewing it from the perspective of the excluded (Kabeer, 2005). It starts with recognising oppressed people’s ‘right to have rights’ and reimagining the participants, institutions, agenda, processes, and scope of the political arena (Dagnino, 2007).

There are four values of inclusive citizenship that emanate from practising such citizenship ‘from below’. Firstly, justice, which denotes “when it is fair for people to be treated the same and when it is fair that they should be treated differently” (Kabeer, 2005, p.3). Secondly, recognition of “the intrinsic worth of all human beings, but also recognition of and respect for their differences” (ibid., p.4). Thirdly, self-determination, which is “people’s ability to exercise some degree of control over their lives” (ibid., p.5). Lastly, solidarity, which is “the capacity to identify with others and to act in unity with them in their claims for justice and recognition” (ibid., p.7).

PMII’s advocacy of the Mustad’afin encompasses each of these values (Informal conversation with PMII members, May 2024). Their solidarity with the marginalised in society is reflected in their activities, which are based on the principles of justice and recognition. For example, PMII has advocated for the fair remuneration of displaced Kampung dwellers due to a hospital construction project and protested against the rise in fuel prices, which affected the majority of the population, particularly the poor in Solo (Timeline Activity, Semi-Structured Interview 1, and FGD 2, May 2024). In doing so, they exercise control over their rights and lives as citizens, often calling the state to account in a ‘hybrid’ fashion through “the practical and conceptual exploration of the potential for citizens to make direct claims on the state, echoing Albert Hirschman’s famous formulation of ‘voice’ as an alternative to ‘exit’” (Hirschman, 1970; Aiyar and Walton, 2015, p. 262; Goetz and Jenkins, 2001).

The methods of PMII may be viewed as insurgent. Insurgent practices denote “counterpolitics that destabilises the dominant regime of citizenship, renders it vulnerable, and defamiliarises the coherence with which it usually presents itself to us” (Holston, 2009, p.15). Going beyond the traditional citizen-state dynamic, these practices demand a renewed social contract rooted in fairness and equality. PMII has often used protests to draw attention to their agendas, including the creative use of puppetry to block roads during demonstrations (FGD 1, May 2024). Sometimes, the protests are met with forceful backlash from the government. In such situations, PMII often leverages its network of lawyers and other youth groups that believe in the same cause (Stakeholder Mapping Activity, May 2024). In this sense, not only do they assert their space, but they also find solidarity and support to negotiate with the harsh exercise of state power.

However, the situation cannot be neatly packaged. PMII is not a monolith, and we must not treat it as one. Identity is an interactional and socially hierarchical way to classify the spaces individuals and groups occupy within the world (Jenkins, 2014). Jenkins states, “Identification and motives for behaviour might seem to be connected; to identify someone could be enough to decide how to treat her” (p. 7, 2014). On the question of collective identity, Fraser warns that “the overall effect is to impose a single, drastically simplified group identity, which denies the complexity of people’s lives, the multiplicity of their identifications, and the cross-pulls of their various affiliations” (p.112, 2000). Intersectionality examines the interactions and resultant power dynamics between different categories of differences in individual lives, social practices, institutional arrangements, and cultural ideologies (Davis, 2008). This lens is essential to understanding PMII or any other youth group. Within the organisation, different members have different motivations for joining and different goals as individuals, which they then promote at an organisational level.

Many of the members stated that they joined PMII since their family members used to be PMII members in their youth. Some joined to develop their communication skills and build a network. Others joined to give back to society and put their values into practice (Photovoice Reflection Activity and FGD 2, May 2024). 

One member, joined for intellectual satisfaction (Photovoice Reflection Activity, May 2024). Another, an alumna of PMII who still works closely with the core team, believes that it is her duty to take care of younger members in the same way that she was looked after when she was younger (FGD 1, May 2024).  These different motivations sometimes lead to internal disagreements. A member of the leadership team, stated that PMII minimises internal conflict by ensuring that the work of the five divisions does not overlap. They have discussions and vote on important agenda priorities, always going back to their values and programme priorities set at the beginning of the year. However, members that do not hold official positions had a different take. One member mentioned that sometimes mediations work, but at others, members form their own alliances internally to push for their agendas. Yet, it is often the opinion of the president that prevails (FGD 2, May 2024). Such disagreements hint at a complex set of power dynamics that underpin the work of youth groups such as PMII. 

PMII Surakarta has been notably successful in mobilising young people at the grassroots level, leveraging trusted people and shared ideology as key motivators. The organisation’s approach includes extensive outreach to universities, actively engaging students in community service, advocacy, and leadership development. This grassroots mobilisation has allowed PMII Surakarta to address local issues effectively. For instance, their protests against unfavourable legislation have not only drawn significant attention but have also led to successful outcomes, underscoring their crucial role in solving local problems.

Adaptability is another hallmark of PMII Surakarta’s strategy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation swiftly transitioned to virtual platforms, ensuring continuity in their activities and maintaining engagement with their members online. This ability to adapt to changing social environments highlights the organisation’s resilience and commitment to its mission, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Gender equality is a central focus for PMII Surakarta. The annual Gender Camp is a flagship event that emphasises the need for gender inclusiveness in youth participation. This event serves as a powerful platform for empowering young women, providing them with opportunities to develop leadership skills and take on management roles within the organisation. The focus on gender inclusivity not only strengthens the organisation internally but also sets a positive example for the broader community.

Moreover, PMII Surakarta places a strong emphasis on collaboration with other organisations. They have cultivated stable and long-standing relationships with local government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations. These multi-stakeholder partnerships have proven to be highly effective in supporting youth initiatives, providing additional resources, expertise, and a wider network for implementing their programmes. This collaborative approach enhances the impact and reach of PMII Surakarta’s initiatives, ensuring that their efforts are sustainable and far-reaching.

As is discussed in the findings above, the experiences of PMII Surakarta provide significant implications for global debates on youth participation. The first two implications are flexibility and adaptability. The organisation’s capacity to swiftly adapt to crises, such as pandemics, underscores the imperative for flexible strategies in engaging youth. Based on the Internet community, PMII not only conducts online heated topic discussions and competitions during the pandemic, but also uses online tools to appeal to new group members and protect rights. The global framework should incorporate mechanisms that facilitate rapid adaptation to ensure continuity in youth participation.

Inclusivity is one of the central issues in global debates. PMII sets a good benchmark for gender inclusion, while at the same time, having more uniqueness and diversity in the context of global debate can cause conflict in areas such as religion, culture, politics, etc. The global discourse should prioritise inclusive methodologies to ensure the awareness of all voices, particularly those belonging to marginalised groups.

Last but not least, a large part of the development of PMII for members comes from peer influence. Potential members will learn about PMII thoughts through the influence of their elders, university seniors, reading the works of spiritual figures, etc. The PMII’s success in attracting young people at the grassroots level provides a model that can be replicated in other regions and can effectively ensure the continuity of membership.

4. Conclusion

The experience of PMII brings out quite beautifully how a group that operates in a blend of invited and invented spaces can set the stage for the creation of co-produced spaces of participation in a city. Here, we use the word ‘group’ with caution to not reify the diverse identities of the young people that constitute it but to appreciate their collective achievements. From partnerships with the government to outright protests against its unjust policies, the different facets of PMII’s participation have created a special place for its work in Solo. Their work directly encompasses advocacy and protest and indirectly affects policy and planning in urban governance through the alumni network. 

However, there is scope for further research on many aspects of young people’s participation. From the experience of PMII, there is a clear aspect of the social embeddedness of agency (Cleaver, 2004) of the youth. Based on our observation, activities that would stereotypically seem feminine, such as the gender camp, saw a larger participation of women, whereas opportunities such as the photovoice activity or focus group discussions saw more men participating. There can be a multitude of factors affecting and explaining this observation, and making a conclusion on the status of men and women within PMII with respect to urban governance is difficult due to the need for more data and information. Hence, one avenue of research can be around the impact of gender on youth participation, especially in the context of religious groups. Additionally, it is also valuable to study the implications of internal power dynamics between members of youth groups. This research could allow for more gender conscious and inclusive planning that creates space for all.

Secondly, it may be valuable to look into the agency of young people in choosing their affiliations and actions. Since many members mentioned joining PMII because their families were alumni, it is worth exploring to what extent young people exercise independent choice in selecting agendas on which they act. This study could help shape the ways in which policies around youth participation are framed and how the agendas of co-operation are set.

Finally, we do not have sufficient data on the efficacy of different methods employed by PMII. An interesting area of research could be around the responsiveness of the government to different methods, such as public dissent in the form of protests or more private discussions in the form of chamber audiences, with respect to changing policies and governance outcomes. Such research could help find suitable areas of agreement that can make co-produced spaces successful.

To conclude, PMII has been an interesting case study that presented many learnings. These learnings can be operationalised in different contexts as well as form the basis of further research.

REFERENCE LIST

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Cleaver, F. (2008) ‘The social embeddedness of agency and decision-making’, in Participation: from tyranny to transformation?: Exploring new approaches to participation in development. pp. 271–277.

Dagnino, E. (2007). ‘Citizenship: a perverse confluence’, Development in Practice, 17(4–5), 549– 556. Doi:https://doiorg.libproxy.ucl.ac.uk/10.1080/09614520701469534          

Davis, K. (2008). Intersectionality as buzzword: A sociology of science perspective on what makes a feminist theory successful. Feminist Theory, 9(1), 67-85. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1464700108086364

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