Abstract

This study examines the social impact of Gusdurian activists in Ponorogo, Indonesia, using the butterfly effect theory. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research includes in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key Gusdurian activists and secondary data from media and official Gusdurian sources. Activists’ value-driven actions, based on the principles of divinity, humanity, and justice, significantly transformed the local community. Motivated by their educational and intellectual backgrounds, they engaged in collaborative efforts to address local challenges, such as access to clean water, inclusive education, gender equality, and religious tolerance. The Gusdurian Network functions as a complex adaptive system where individuals’ actions within the network amplify their impact on local development issues. The activists’ narratives underscore the importance of grassroots initiatives for enhancing community resilience and driving social change. This study contributes to the understanding of social activism and the butterfly effect theory, highlighting the transformative potential of value-based activism and community-centered approaches in resolving local problems. Policymakers should recognize and support these grassroots efforts, and future research could examine the butterfly effect on activism across various contexts using mixed methods.