Representation Of Malay Youth Identity In Pekanbaru, Riau: An Exploration Through The Lens Of Gurindam 12

Abstract

In the modern era, the presence of mass media, especially online platforms, has become ubiquitous, allowing people to easily access information about events happening worldwide. Media plays a significant role in the dynamics of social and political life, particularly in the current era of mediatization, where various aspects of politics are inseparable from media coverage.

This mixed-method study examines the representation of Malay youth identity in Pekanbaru, Riau, through the lens of the classical Malay text Gurindam 12. The research combines quantitative survey data from 384 Malay youth and qualitative insights from focus group discussions with representatives from the Malay Customary Institution (LAM), youth leaders, journalists, and academics. Grounded in Michael Hecht's identity theory, the findings reveal complex and evolving dynamics in how traditional Malay values and contemporary sociocultural factors shape the identity construction of young Malays in this urban setting.

The survey results surfaced key trends in the identity representation of Malay youth, highlighting areas such as [summarize key quantitative findings]. The qualitative FGDs provided deeper contextualization, with participants discussing how the Gurindam 12 continues to serve as a touchstone for understanding Malay cultural ideals, while also noting the challenges young Malays face in reconciling these traditional influences with modern pressures.

The study contributes to scholarly understanding of youth identity formation within Malay communities and offers potential insights for policymakers, community leaders, and youth development programs seeking to better address the identity-related needs and challenges faced by Malay youth in Pekanbaru and similar urban centers. Further research exploring identity representations in other Malay-populated regions would complement the contributions of this work.