By: Haidar Nur Fadhilah )*
The 2024 regional head elections (Pilkada) will be held on November 27 2024. This is a very important momentum for democratic consolidation for Indonesia. In this year’s simultaneous regional elections, there is an important variable, namely the role of the younger generation in participating in making this year’s regional elections a success. Why should the younger generation contribute more to the 2024 simultaneous regional elections? The reason is the high number of young voters in Indonesia.
According to data from the General Election Commission (KPU), the voting age configuration for the 2024 General Election and Pilkada is dominated by young voters. Of the more than 204 million Indonesian voters in the 2024 elections, more than 50% are young voters. As the younger generation, we should provide more meaningful participation ( Meaningful Participations ).
Head of the South OKU National Unity and Politics Agency, Veri Wijaya, supports the active role of the young generation in holding the 2024 simultaneous regional elections. The young generation must have strong character to build the nation and a spirit of nationalism, young people play an active role as agents of change by developing political education and democratization . This shows that as the young generation, we have a strategic role and function in accelerating development, including in national and state life.
The manifestation of meaningful participation of young voters is through concrete involvement in maintaining the integrity of the regional elections. To be able to realize this aspect, young voters can be involved in many aspects. Several aspects that require the contribution of young voters are monitoring alleged regional election violations. Young voters are expected to register as election observers and also as ad hoc at polling stations. If you want to be ad hoc at the TPS, there are two options. First, we can become members of the Voting Organizing Group (KPPS). Second, we can also become Polling Place Supervisors (PTPS).
The formation of this Ad Hoc Election Body is based on KPU Decree Number 476 of 2024 and is carried out through open selection, for both PPK and PPS. It is hoped that all stakeholders will be involved, especially the mass media, in socializing the stages of establishing the 2024 Simultaneous Election Ad Hoc Body.
As the younger generation is close to the development of technology and information, participation as the younger generation in the formation of ad hoc bodies in each region is very much needed. Moreover, the opportunity to become an ad hoc election organizer can also be a credit point for young voters who are still at university. Apart from contributing to maintaining the integrity of the implementation of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, the younger generation can also actually become facilitators in realizing the principle of true popular sovereignty.
The 2024 simultaneous regional elections are one of the best moments for young people to participate as citizens. Becoming a KPPS and TPS supervisor will provide experience as a regional election organizer. The selection of KPPS members and TPS supervisors is very crucial in the technical implementation of regional elections. This is because these positions will determine the quality of voter services and the veracity of election results. So the role of the younger generation is really needed in realizing regional elections with integrity and democracy.
Apart from that, the younger generation can also participate in the Peaceful Pilkada campaign through social media. In the current digital era, technological developments are increasingly rapid. Many young people participate in the world of politics through social media. Social media allows them to discuss, share information, and voice opinions on political issues. Therefore, the younger generation can be said to be the main actor in politics in cyberspace. The form of participation they take will determine how democracy works.
Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized the importance of the active role of the younger generation in upholding a healthy and responsible democracy through the narrative of the 2024 Peaceful Regional Election. The involvement of the younger generation is expected not only as voters, but also as agents of change who build awareness of strategic issues that affects the future of the country. With their intellectual capacity, the younger generation is expected to be at the forefront in countering issues such as political polarization and the spread of false information (hoaxes) which are prone to occur in the digital world.
The younger generation can also act as agents of change to increase political participation among other young people. They can organize political education campaigns, public discussions, or social activities that invite other young people to participate in the political process. By raising awareness and involving more young people, they can become a force driving positive change in the political system.
Ahead of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections, the participation and active role of the younger generation is needed in creating healthy, safe and dignified regional elections. As people who are familiar with the use of information technology, the younger generation must be able to oversee the democratic process with full responsibility and maintain the digital space as a positive means for conveying constructive information and opinions. Through synergy and prioritizing the values of togetherness and concern, it is hoped that the 2024 regional elections can be a positive milestone in the history of Indonesian democracy.
)* Chairman of the Karang Taruna Purwodadi Village, Purworejo Regency, Central Java
