Youth Civic Engagement as a Catalyst for Strengthening Civil Society in Riverbank Communities: A Case Study of Banjarmasin, Indonesia

Abstract

Youth civic engagement has increasingly been recognized as a critical driver in strengthening civil society, particularly within marginalized urban communities. In Indonesia, riverbank settlements such as those in Banjarmasin face persistent environmental and social challenges, making them important contexts for examining grassroots civic participation. This study aims to analyze how youth-led civic engagement contributes to the development of civil society in riverbank communities. This research employs a qualitative approach within a constructivist paradigm, utilizing a case study design to explore youth community practices in Banjarmasin. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with youth members aged 18–25 who are actively involved in community initiatives. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and meanings related to civic engagement. The findings reveal that youth play a transformative role through (1) environmental civic action, including river clean-up activities and community education; (2) strengthening social cohesion and community empowerment; (3) navigating structural challenges such as limited resources and participation barriers; (4) acting as informal civic educators; and (5) engaging in emerging yet limited institutional collaborations. These activities demonstrate that youth civic engagement operates as both a social and environmental practice that contributes to collective awareness and participatory culture. In conclusion, youth-led initiatives significantly contribute to strengthening civil society in marginalized riverbank areas, although their sustainability depends on stronger institutional support and resource availability. This study highlights the need for policy interventions that recognize and empower youth as key actors in community development. Future research is recommended to adopt comparative and mixed-method approaches to deepen understanding of youth civic engagement across diverse contexts.