Student’s Voices: From the Streets to Social Media

Source: jawapos.com

Either on the streets or government buildings, the voices of students are often heard loud and clear. Banners, megaphones, and fiery speeches have long been symbols of resistance. With the rise of social media, information about demonstrations can now be spread instantly, extending their reach far beyond the protest sites themselves. Millions of people who don’t take to the streets can still witness events unfold from behind their screens.

One recent phenomenon that drew public attention was the series of protests near the Parliament Building and Police Headquarters, where students and citizens demanded justice over a property tax (PBB) those hike of up to 1000% and a hit-and-run case involving a ride-hailing service. Posts about the demonstrations flooded platforms, such as X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and more, spreading information at a pace faster than ever and reaching a wide audience.

Source: cnbcindonesia.com

Today, students don’t only show up with traditional protest gear. They also carry phones, tablets, and cameras to capture moments that are instantly shared online. Videos of speeches, live events, emotional scenes—whether sad, inspiring, or even humorous—circulate on social media within minutes, making them more accessible to the public.

Social media has also reshaped the dynamics of demonstrations. In the past, students heavily relied on coverage from mainstream media, but now they can spread their messages independently. For students, social platforms are powerful tools to amplify their voices. Spoken words may only be heard by those present, but through social media, thousands or even millions can “listen” to their demands.

However, this shift also brings new challenges. Many clips are shared out of context or cutted, fueling misinformation or stoking public anger. The presence of online “buzzers” further complicates matters, often diverting public attention away from the core issues raised by protesters. Therefore, handling information with a cool head is crucial to prevent the spread of misleading narratives that could distort the focus and objectives of the demonstrations themselves.

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Writer: Luthfi Indra Pratisto (Informatics Engineering;22)

Editor: Naira Afza Salsabilla (Nutrition science’23)