Banjarmasin, the River City

Banjarmasin is a big city in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. People call it the “City of a Thousand Rivers” because there are many rivers there. The most famous rivers are the Barito River and the Martapura River.

The most interesting place for tourists is the Floating Market (Pasar Terapung). In this market, people do not sell things in a building. Instead, they use small wooden boats called jukung. Sellers are usually women. They sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional snacks. They start the market very early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, and it finishes at 9:00 AM.

Today, Banjarmasin is a modern city with malls and hotels. However, many people still live in houses near the river. If you visit Banjarmasin, you can take a boat tour to see the beautiful city from the water.

Youth Activism in the 21st Century

In the modern era, the definition of youth empowerment has shifted from mere participation to active leadership. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, young people aged 18 to 25 are no longer just “leaders of tomorrow,” but are increasingly becoming the catalysts for change today. This generation, often referred to as digital natives, leverages technology to organize grassroots movements, advocate for climate justice, and promote mental health awareness on a global scale.

However, this heightened digital engagement brings a unique set of challenges. While the internet provides a democratic space for expression, it also exposes young activists to “slacktivism”—a term describing superficial support for a cause (like liking a post) without committing to practical actions. Furthermore, the pressure to maintain a perfect digital persona while tackling heavy societal issues has led to a significant rise in burnout among young community leaders.

To bridge this gap, youth organizations are now focusing on “meaningful participation.” This approach encourages young people to move beyond social media clicks and engage in policy-making and community-based projects. By combining digital savvy with traditional organizational skills, the youth of today are redefining what it means to be a citizen in a hyper-connected world.