When they hear the term agrarian reform, many young people might immediately picture something rigid, complicated, and far removed from everyday life. In reality, this issue is deeply connected to our future, from living space, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This is where young people—those born and raised in the digital era—have an important role as drivers of change.

Youth involvement in agrarian reform cannot stop at seminars or academic discussions. They need to go into the field, learn directly from smallholder farmers, Indigenous communities, and residents affected by land conflicts. With training in mediation, basic agrarian law, and digital advocacy, this generation can become practical cadres who bring forward real solutions.

One defining characteristic of young people is their ability to transform serious issues into relatable messages. Social media becomes the main stage. Through short videos, podcasts, interactive infographics, or moving visual stories, agrarian issues can be presented in fresh, emotional, and easily understandable ways. This makes land conflict mediation no longer seen as a dull process, but as a cool, peaceful, and relevant form of dialogue.

Many young people have already demonstrated concern for the environment, justice, and human rights. Agrarian reform can be connected to their lifestyle choices, such as supporting local products, sustainable farming, or ethical consumption. At this point, land is no longer just an economic asset, but part of identity, culture, and the continuity of life itself.

Young people are also fluent in technology. Digital innovations—such as online maps, satellite data, conflict-reporting apps, or informal land ownership mapping—can be leveraged to open access to transparent information. By becoming “data activists,” this generation can prevent conflicts before they escalate while also building public trust in mediation as a pathway to resolution.

Another hallmark of young people is their results-oriented mindset. They want to see tangible impacts: from land restitution and recognition of Indigenous rights to policy improvements. Transparency in reporting and measurable indicators of success are crucial to maintaining that trust.

Still, agrarian reform does not happen overnight. It requires long-term effort, consistency, and cross-generational networks. Young people need mentors from earlier generations, as well as space to stay engaged in public forums, civil society organizations, and local movements. Only then can momentum be sustained and the goals of agrarian reform be achieved.

Agrarian reform is not a relic of the past—it is a project for the future. And that future now rests in the hands of a generation raised with smartphones and social media. Young people are not just spectators, but key actors: carrying the voice of justice from screen to soil, from a click to real action.

Photo by Herwin Prabawananda.