By : Charlie Agus Saputra )*
Youth have a crucial role in changing the dynamics of identity politics which often divide society in the 2024 Pilkada. Identity politics, which is often used to strengthen polarization and conflict, can be faced with constructive steps from the younger generation to promote unity and diversity.
Identity politics can create divisions, often leading to social polarization and fragmentation. In the context of regional elections, this can overshadow substantive policy discussions, reducing political discourse to issues of identity rather than addressing pressing socio-economic problems. This phenomenon has been seen in previous elections in Indonesia, where candidates sometimes exploited religious or ethnic sentiments to gain support, resulting in increased tensions and societal divisions.
Regarding this, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) advised that there should no longer be any practice of identity politics or politicization of religion in every election of people’s representatives. Jokowi added that democracy in Indonesia must become more mature by strengthening national consolidation so that there is no more polarization in society.
The role of youth in the regional elections this time promises change in the political landscape by rejecting divisive identity politics and supporting more inclusive and issue-based campaigns.
Indonesia’s young generation population, which is the majority of voters, has the potential to be a strong force in shaping the future of this country. Based on the recapitulation results of the Permanent Voter List (DPT) for the 2024 Election, there are 204,807,222 voters consisting of 66.82 million millennial generation voters (born 1981-1996), 57.49 million generation X voters (born 1965-1980), 46.8 million generation Z voters ( born 1997-2012), 28.13 million baby boomer voters (born 1946-1964), and 3.57 million pre-boomer voters (born before 1945).
This demographic is characterized by greater access to education, widespread use of social media, and a more global outlook than previous generations. These attributes make Indonesia’s young generation highly influential in promoting progressive values and challenging outdated political norms.
Indonesia’s young generation is in a unique position to combat the negative impacts of identity politics. Their involvement in political processes, often facilitated through digital platforms, enables the dissemination of diverse perspectives and encourages more inclusive political dialogue. By emphasizing common issues such as education, employment, environmental sustainability, and technological progress, young people can shift the focus away from identity-based divisions.
The digital literacy of Indonesia’s young generation can also play an important role in their ability to influence political discourse. Social media platforms such as Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok are popular among young people and serve as powerful tools for political engagement and mobilization. Through this platform, young people can campaign against candidates who rely on identity politics, highlight examples of divisive rhetoric, and promote candidates who focus on policy and inclusivity.
Social media also enables the rapid dissemination of information and the organization of grassroots movements. Youth-led initiatives can harness the power of viral campaigns to educate their peers about the dangers of identity politics and the importance of issue-based voting. This digital activism can create a ripple effect, reaching broader segments of society and encouraging a more informed and engaged electorate.
Educational institutions and youth organizations play an important role in encouraging civic engagement and political awareness among Indonesia’s young generation. Programs that focus on critical thinking, media literacy, and democratic values can equip young people with the skills needed to critically evaluate political messages and make informed decisions. By cultivating a culture of active citizenship, these initiatives can help young people reject simplistic identity-based appeals in favor of more nuanced and informed political choices.
Apart from that, youth and student organizations can also organize forums, debates and workshops that encourage political participation and dialogue. These platforms give young people the opportunity to interact directly with political candidates, question their policies, and advocate for issues that are important to them. Interactions like these can illuminate political processes and empower young people to take a proactive role in shaping their communities and nations.
Although young people are at the forefront of rejecting identity politics, collaborative efforts between different age groups can strengthen its impact. Intergenerational dialogue and cooperation can bridge gaps and foster mutual understanding. By working with older generations, young people can build broader coalitions that support inclusive politics and challenge divisive narratives.
The younger generation has an important role in overcoming the challenges posed by identity politics. By implementing inclusive dialogue, engaging in political participation, and utilizing digital platforms to educate the public to oppose identity politics, Indonesia’s young generation can help reduce the potential for division in identity politics. By doing this, they not only contribute to a more inclusive and democratic process of electing people’s representatives, but also to the broader goal of national unity and cohesion, embodying the spirit of Pancasila in their actions and aspirations.
)* Political Science Student in Bandung
