Civic participation is an important part of democracy. This study discusses youth civic participation driven through the BASAbali and BASAsulsel Wiki Marathon (Wikithon) program in Bali and South Sulawesi Provinces, respectively, under the umbrella organization of BASAibu. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of youth participation in the Wikithon program, the changes that occur in the youths and the youth participation ecosystem as a result of Wikithon, as well as to identify opportunities and challenges for future program management and development. This study found that the various factors determining youth participation in Wikithon include personal interests, factors related to the program, and the influence of youths’ surrounding environment. Participation in Wikithon is recognized as having a positive impact on increasing youths’ capacity, such as increasing the skills and opportunities to express opinions, raising awareness of public issues, and training youths to use critical and analytical thinking skills. The study also identified the potential influence of youth voices in policymaking, with the hope that the Wikithon program can change the paradigm of youth civic participation through future cultural advocacy. However, challenges, such as topic selection, timing, and funding need to be overcome to increase the impact of the Wikithon program in the future.

Suggested Citation:

Dewi, Rika Kumala, Harla Octarra, Akhmadi, and Wawan Setiawan (2026) ‘Endline Study of the Wikithon Program Evaluation.’ SMERU Research Report No. 1/2026. Jakarta: The SMERU Research Institute <URL> [access date].