Understanding The Struggle Of University Students In Indonesia

Abstract

Young people are great assets for a nation. Nowadays many young people in Indonesia take up higher education in order to prepare themselves to enter work life. However, effort to improve the quality of young people life cannot be effective without understanding the complexity of their problems and the interrelations among problems. The aim of this study is to describe university students' concern and its complexity. In order to achieve deep understanding to the issue, the qualitative approach is adopted. Individual interviews and focus group discussions are conducted to collect data. A total of 68 students from two private universities in Indonesia participated in the study. Results showed that problems related to academic, relationships with others, transitions to university, romantic relationships, and self were frequently reported by students. Academic-related problems were mostly characterized by difficulties in coping with academic demands and difficulties over time management. In regard to problems in romantic relationships, the selection of a partner is a strong issue, which was complicated not only by a lack of social skills to build relationships, but also by parental prohibition from having such relationships before students have completed their studies. Self-related problems involve concerns related to self-concept, self-esteem and confidence, uncertainty about values and struggle towards maturity. The interrelations of these issues and the implications for supporting students are further discussed.