A pattern appears when looking at recent youth protests in Nepal, Madagascar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Mexico. These are movements fuelled by young people who feel locked out of political systems run by older elites. They are also burdened by economies that no longer guarantee mobility and are increasingly willing to challenge systems they see as corrupt or complacent.
Gen Z is responding to structural pressures that disproportionately affect their generation and will be key in driving future solutions. What these movements mean for social change, however, is contested.
Do digitally networked youth movements generate new forms of political power or struggle to convert online momentum into durable reform? Does generational mobilisation create cross-class, cross-partisan coalitions, or deepen social and political polarisation between the ‘have’ and the ‘have-nots’?
We asked three experts: “What can Gen Z teach us about social change?”
Discontent and rebellion define youth. Take your pick from the hippie revolution, the punk movement, or the more recent Fridays for Future strikes. At first glance, the Gen Z protests could be read as the next instalment of this long coming-of-age tradition. But to reduce them to the ‘youth movement of the day’ would be a mistake.
These protests speak to some of the biggest global challenges of our time— a lack of opportunities to gain meaningful work despite increased education; difficulty securing housing in a heated market and achieving upward mobility; corruption at its worst level in more than a decade, ecological doom and global turmoils that have led to the highest number of active conflicts since World War II.
These protests are not just a call to restructure single nations in isolation. They are a symptom of a deeper fracture in a globalised system that, only a few decades ago, was backed by many for its promises of poverty alleviation and peace. So, unlike previous youth movements unified by subcultures or shared values, what Gen Z is really protesting against is a stolen future.
Yet, beyond their anger, Gen Z’s hope for meaningful social change persists. Governments have been overthrown in Madagascar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. While in Indonesia, cabinet was reshuffled and a controversial salary package for lawmakers was scrapped.
Australia has a big opportunity now to pay attention to the demands of young people (aka almost half of the population of ASEAN), and show up as a genuine partner to co-create better conditions for them. Engaging with young people right now will be an investment that pays dividends. After all, the social change of today may well be the status quo of tomorrow.
Arleen is the Communications and Engagement Officer at the Lab, with a background across local government, advocacy and marketing. She brings a creative, strategic approach to translating complex ideas into clear, engaging messaging. She has previously worked with the ACT Government, the Embassy of Mexico in Australia, and marketing start-ups, and has been actively involved in youth, migrant and women’s rights organisations. At the Lab, we love her ability to turn complex ideas into digestible copy and her constant drive to find new ways to communicate them.
In Indonesia, Gen Z is changing the way young people show love for their country. Their patriotism is sharp, brave, and often unconventional. Frustrated by government policies that shape their homes, jobs, and opportunities, many of Indonesia’s 44 million youth struggle to secure stable work, affordable housing, and a decent quality of life. This shared frustration has made them more aware and more ready to speak out.
Across Indonesia, one of the largest archipelagic countries in the world, Gen Z lives in bustling cities near government offices and in remote, underserved regions. Despite the distance, they are united by concern over policies that affect their futures and by leaders whose lifestyles feel far from ordinary struggles.
A collective mistrust in government is expressed in different ways. In cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, public anger peaked in August after cuts to education, health, and public services coincided with lavish allowances for lawmakers, triggering mass protests. Protesters were united by the 17+8 Demands, calling for accountability, demilitarisation of civilian life, fair labour conditions, and broader democratic reform. Others turned to the internet, using memes and satirical content—most notably One Piece pirate flags—to mock political elites and spread protest messages rapidly, while some focused on quieter community initiatives around education, food access, and cultural protection.
Gen Z in Indonesia is shaping social change in ways as diverse as the archipelago itself. Through street protests, community projects, and digital creativity, they are not waiting for the future, they are building it. Together, their energy, humor, and resilience are driving a more just, inclusive, and hopeful Indonesia.
Randiano Tamelan is a PhD student in Anthropology at the University of Sydney and an Australia Awards Scholar from West Timor, Indonesia. His work explores indigenous knowledge and ways of life, particularly as expressed through farming practices and local food systems in Indonesia. He is interested in how indigenous communities sustain their traditions, livelihoods, and food security across generations. At the Lab, we admire Randiano’s focus on issues related to culture and community life, and we can’t wait to see how his research evolves throughout his PhD.
For a long time, Gen Z was commonly thought about as a politically disconnected generation—more engaged with social media than with society. But recent events around the world, and particularly in Nepal, challenge that narrative.
Gen Z is not disconnected; it is responsive. When necessary, it questions power and dares to step forward with uncomfortable but necessary questions.
Democracy is strongest when citizens participate. Whether through public debate, protest, or elections, civic engagement is an essential part of a healthy democratic system. In Nepal, the events of September 8 reflected exactly that. Young people took to the streets to demand accountability and transparency about the government's use of their (taxpayers’) money.
Yes, Gen Z lives in the so-called ‘age of social media’. While Gen Z is often criticised for their excessive digital engagement, the same platforms have become tools for political awareness and mobilisation. Social media today is not only a space for expression but also a channel through which political consciousness can spread rapidly.
The recent election results in Nepal signal a shift. They reflect a generation that is more aware, more questioning, and more willing to engage with the democratic process.
If there is one lesson Gen Z offers about social change, it is this: meaningful change often begins with the courage to ask the right questions.
Amrita is a Kathmandu-based creative professional and civic organiser working at the intersection of youth participation, political inclusion, and community-led advocacy in Nepal. She serves as Campaign Department Head at the Nepal GenZ Front, where she has led voter registration awareness initiatives and is driving ongoing campaigns for out-of-country and inter-district voting rights. She was on the frontlines of the September 8 protests, and has moderated parliamentary dialogues through Nitishala to foster political participation among young Nepalis. At the Lab, we admire Amrita's commitment to democratic participation from the ground up.
