The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) in Indonesia is expected to be an important moment in the history of the nation’s democracy. One group that is considered to have a crucial role in making the 2024 regional elections a success is generation Z. This generation, born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, has brought significant changes in various aspects of life, including in the political realm.
Gen Z is known as the digital native generation, namely the generation that grew up amidst the rapid development of information and communication technology. They are very familiar with the internet, social media and digital devices. Their ability to access information quickly and widely gives them an edge in understanding political and social issues.The Banda Aceh City Independent Election Commission (KIP) invites Gen Z from among students to participate in making the simultaneous regional elections which will take place in November 2024 a success. FISIP UIN Ar-Raniry Expo 2024 National Exhibition and Competition as a means of Voter Education as well as introducing the Stages of the 2024 Regional Head and Deputy Head Election (Pilkada) in Banda Aceh City.Head of the Socialization, Voter Education, Human Resources and Community Participation Division of Banda Aceh City KIP, Muhammad Zar, said that the role of Generation Z among students participating in the 2024 Banda Aceh City Pilkada in 2024 is very large in increasing community participation.Gen Z is a generation that has a higher level of education than previous generations. Many of them have access to higher education and broader information, so they have a better understanding of the importance of political participation and democracy.The Surabaya KPU collaborates with Indonesian Photo Reporters (PFI) in the City of Surabaya to hold a face-to-face socialization for the 2024 election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Surabaya at SMA Wijaya Putra Surabaya. The speakers presented were also young people, such as cartoonist Wahyu Kokkang, PFI Surabaya HR Development, Ali Masduki and the Commissioner of KPU Surabaya, Division of Socialization, Voter Education, Community Participation and Human Resources, Subairi.Chairman of Indonesian Photo Reporters (PFI) Surabaya, Suryanto Putramuji, said that his party appreciates the steps taken by the Surabaya KPU, face-to-face socialization among students is very important. Apart from opening awareness about the democratic process, this activity can increase political insight.Apart from that, cartoonist, Wahyu Kokkang said that the most important thing for Gen Z to make a choice in the election is to understand who the candidate is. So, before voting, it is advisable to dig up information about the figures who will run for the regional elections.New voters are not tempted by certain offers or lures such as bribes from candidate teams. However, it is important for Gen Z not to abstain. Because Gen Z’s voice can determine their leaders well for the next 5 years in accordance with the policies and provisions of applicable laws and regulations.Gen Z has a high level of concern for social and political issues. They tend to be more progressive and care about positive social change, such as environmental issues, human rights and social justice. This is reflected in their active participation in various social movements, both in the real world and on social media.In the context of the 2024 Regional Election, Gen Z’s enthusiasm and concern can be a driver of greater political participation. They have the potential to become critical and active voters in the democratic process, and are able to influence their peers and family to take part in elections.Gen Z has a significant influence in their communities and families. As a generation that is more technology and information literate, they often become a source of information for parents and other family members. In the 2024 regional elections, this role can be utilized to increase political participation among older voters.Gen Z can act as agents of change in their families and communities to invite and convince family members to exercise their right to vote. Thus, political participation is not only increasing among young voters, but also among voters of various age groups.Even though Gen Z has great potential to make the 2024 regional elections a success, there are several challenges that need to be faced. One of them is political apathy, namely the tendency to not care or be interested in politics. Some members of Gen Z may feel that their vote will not make a difference or that politics is boring and corrupt.To overcome this apathy, it is necessary to take a creative approach that is relevant to the interests of Gen Z. Political campaigns must be delivered in an interesting and entertaining way, using language that is easy to understand and connecting political issues with their daily lives.With their potential, Gen Z can become a significant agent of change in the democratic process in Indonesia. The future of Indonesian democracy is in their hands, and their active role in the 2024 Pilkada will be an important step towards building a better nation.)* The author is a Pertiwi Institute Contributor