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Adinda Tenriangke Muchtar: Championing Youth Empowerment in Indonesia
Indonesian youth are often hailed as the "golden generation", poised to realise the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045). Navigating this path is no easy feat, but Adinda Tenriangke Muchtar is a driving force in fostering democracy among young people.
Since 2015, Adinda has been actively promoting youth expression through Suara Kebebasan, a website she founded to encourage discussions on democracy, free speech, human rights, and related topics. Her dedication extends further. In 2023, along with Marcellina Kristi Praptiwi and Ulin Nafi'ah from the Australia Awards Short Course on Youth Participation in Social Justice Issues, Adinda launched Jedakata, a community activism movement. They also published the book "Kata-kata Kita untuk Pembangunan Pemuda Menuju Indonesia 2045” (Our Words for Youth Development Towards Indonesia 2045).
Adinda’s project from the short course focused on engaging youth in the 2024 elections. She collaborated with her peers from the course and contributed as a resource person for a public policy analysis workshop at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Indonesia. Moreover, she participated in the 3rd Indonesia Opinion Festival 2023: Youth Participation in Politics and Democracy.
“My goal is to foster political education among young voters, provide election information, and promote social justice issues,” Adinda explained. Her efforts are channelled through Suara Kebebasan and The Indonesian Institute, where she facilitates online discussions and educates young people about democracy and elections.
Her commitment to youth education extends to The Indonesian Institute - Center for Public Policy Research (TII), where she has been active since 2005. Starting as a program manager and researcher, she has been the Executive Director of TII since 2018. Previously, she spent almost two years at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) in Indonesia on Legislative Strengthening Programs. Through her work, Adinda Tenriangke Muchtar continues to empower Indonesian youth and pave the way for a democratic future.
Educational Pursuit Abroad
Adinda’s commitment to democracy and youth participation is deeply rooted in her educational background. In 2001, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Indonesia's Department of International Relations within the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. She then pursued further education in Australia.
In 2004, she obtained a Masters of International Studies from The University of Sydney, thanks to the Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), now known as the Australia Awards Scholarships.
“Choosing the right program and university was crucial. I wanted to deepen my previous knowledge, and the International Studies major at the University of Sydney, under the Faculty of Economics and Business and related to government relations, was perfect,” Adinda explained.
“This allowed me to connect international politics with domestic policies. The varied courses, such as International Risk Analysis, Politics of Consultation, Globalisation and National Governance, and Corporate Citizenship, enriched my understanding.”
In 2014, she continued her academic journey with a doctoral program in Development Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. “Development studies here also intersect with international relations and domestic politics, including policy matters,” Adinda noted.
Upon returning to Indonesia with her doctorate, she applied her knowledge to her work, focusing on studies and research on democracy, particularly general elections and youth participation. Adinda also championed women’s issues, securing funding from the Alumni Grant Scheme for research on Women’s Involvement in the Social Forestry Program in Garut Regency in 2022.
“The Australian government scholarships are prominent and effectively managed, and the alumni grants are particularly helpful. This investment from the Australian government supports research and activism and maintains networks on crucial issues, such as disabilities, environmental sustainability, women’s rights, and democracy,” Adinda said.
Youth Advocacy and Education
On 15 July, celebrating World Youth Skills Day, Adinda reiterated her mission to empower youth to speak out and effect change. “The future of a country’s democracy depends on its youth. This generation has the potential to grow, but we often demand much from them without providing adequate support. Issues like unemployment and the high cost of education are significant challenges that need addressing,” Adinda asserted.
“For Indonesia Emas 2045, capitalising on the demographic bonus requires proper facilities. Issues of education, employment, and political accessibility must be tackled. Youth should not just be symbols in political parties but must be given strategic positions through cadre development,” she added.
Adinda highlighted that today's youth are hindered by misguided government policies and leadership. The practical effects of these policies necessitate critical thinking among young people. She praised the current generation’s self-awareness and urged them to be vocal and active in safeguarding democracy.
"So, come on, be noisy, be persistent, if you intend to work together to guard democracy," she pointed out.
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