Features of Indonesian high school students’ local citizenship

This study aims to clarify the features of Indonesian high school students’ local citizenship by focusing on their social identity, social responsibility, political literacy and future work plans. These were investigated using a mixed method design, with a questionnaire ( n = 1179), semi-structured interviews with students ( n = 52) and teachers ( n = 15), and observation of civic education and sociology classes. Five regions in Indonesia were selected for the survey based on their economic, social and cultural characteristics. The results showed that students’ sense of contribution to local and national communities is related synergistically, and local citizenship varies. While Ambon and Yogyakarta students showed stronger local attachment, community engagement and social responsibility, they felt free to move away because of job shortages. Students in Kalimantan showed moderate local citizenship and claimed more unfair development compared to the capital city, whereas secondary migrants showed an inclination to return home. Bekasi and Jakarta students showed lower local attachment and sense of contribution, stronger self-success and polarization between political apathy and strong political interest. To enhance student satisfaction and local, national and global sustainability, we recommend improving local citizenship education through the application of entrepreneurship, critical citizenship, sustainable development and political literacy education in accordance with local situations.