We are Far from Jakarta: Lesson Learned from Makassar Student Movement 2009-2020 As A Political Power of Disruption Against the State

10.2478/bjlp-2022-002146

Abstract

The Makassar student movement is a unique phenomenon in the history of Indonesian social movements. The pattern of the Makassar student movement has always been complex, militant, and steady. This background led to this research be conducted. By using qualitative research methods and case studies, the following results are obtained. Throughout 2009-2020 Makassar students grew as a disruptive force that responded, fought, and tried to negotiate against state policy. Students were disappointed with the state policy of increasing fuel prices, weakening the eradication of corruption, commercializing education, acting unfairly towards workers and the people, and being ruled by capitalism and neoliberalism. Makassar students gave strong reactions because they felt far from Jakarta. In addition, the mass media demanded that the student movement must be strong so that it could affect public opinion. The student movement was also culturally based on tribal values, and they fought the state using collective actions. Theoretically, the Makassar student movement has disrupted state hegemony, and historically the student movement has always given a definite meaning to the public sphere as an expression of democracy. Students are always in a public space that places equality for their participants, is never bound by state domination, and always opposes state hegemony.