Youth Engagement and Community Empowerment for Social Development in Bantaeng Regency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37899/jcei.v1i1.3Keywords:
Youth Engagement, Community Empowerment, Social DevelopmentAbstract
This study examines the role of youth engagement in strengthening community empowerment and its contribution to social development in Bantaeng Regency, Indonesia. The research is grounded in the growing recognition that young people are key actors in local development processes, particularly in rural and semi-urban contexts where community participation is essential for sustainable development outcomes. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation involving youth groups, community leaders, and local government officials. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns of youth participation, community empowerment processes, and their implications for social development. The findings reveal that youth engagement in Bantaeng is multidimensional, encompassing social, economic, digital, and civic participation. Youth contribute to community development through collective activities, small-scale entrepreneurship, digital advocacy, and involvement in local organizations such as karang taruna. However, their participation is often limited to functional and symbolic levels, with restricted access to decision-making processes. Community empowerment in the region is characterized by a transitional phase between top-down governance and emerging participatory practices, although structural and institutional constraints continue to limit its effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the study finds that youth engagement significantly strengthens social capital, enhances community cohesion, and stimulates local initiatives that contribute to social development. The relationship between youth engagement and community empowerment is mutually reinforcing but highly dependent on institutional support and inclusive governance structures. The study concludes that meaningful integration of youth into development planning is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive social development in Bantaeng Regency.
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