Study The Definition of “Activist” Deeply

Nowadays, the word “activist” is defined with lack of meaning by university student. When the students are asked what the definition of activist is, they will answer that activist is a university student who is active in campus organization and is willing to go to the street when there is a government policy which oppresses society, shout scathing critic to government or is a representative of society who will investigate and supervise the government corruption issues. Those definitions are correct but still very narrow.

The word “activist” according to the dictionary of Indonesia (KBBI) means:
1. A person (primarily a member of a political, social, laborer-based, farmer-based, youth, and student and woman party or organization) who actively works toward encouraging enforcement of something or events in his organization or party
2. A person who provokes or triggers demonstration

So based on the definition above, we can explain that activist has wide definition. Activist also can be defined as a person who is directly active in society, aiming to empower society. For example. Agus is active as a leader in his village. He conducts many useful activities to develop people’s potential. Ani concerns about empowering woman. She conducts skill training such as sewing training, mercerizing, producing bag made of non-organic waste and many others or Wahyu is active in teaching orphans or even people who are active as worship place organizers while know that worship place is one of the necessity of the society and whoever who is actively engaged in social activity in his organization.
In my opinion, this is the wide “activist” definition that it’s not only for university student but also whoever who directly involves to empower society wherever she or he is until she or he can give positive influence to society and lead in any condition. I believe that he/she will be a quality leader in the future.

by Rahmat J.