Elodie Jakes, Jakarta – Digital research firm Populix discovered that Generation Z voters, who are predominantly first-time voters, hold high hopes for the presidential candidates, while Millennials tend to be more pragmatic and skeptical going into the 2024 election in February.

According to the General Election Commission (KPU), voters from Generation Z (17-30 years old) and Millennials (31-40 years old) dominate the 2024 election, comprising 56.45 percent of the total electorate.

"Gen Zs, as first-time voters, hold high hopes for a leader who is neutral and pro-people, while Millennials, being more pragmatic, assess leaders based on economic competence and welfare assurances. As critical voters, both generations expect leaders with integrity, a clear vision, and problem-solving abilities," Vivi Zabkie, Head of Social Research at Populix, said on Jan. 24, 2024.

However, some Jakarta-based youth activists disagree with the survey's portrayal of Gen Z, and many express skepticism and concern around this year's election process.

According to the Populix survey, the majority of young individuals rely on social media as their main source of election information (28 percent). Indonesia boasts 217 million social media users, ranking fourth globally (as per data from Demandsage), with the majority falling in the 13-24 age group. This awareness is evident among the three presidential candidates, each actively engaging in extensive Instagram and TikTok campaigns to sway the votes of Generation Z Indonesians.

"I think social media is really powerful in creating these election campaigns," Ghevin, a 20-year-old human rights activist from Jakarta, told the Jakarta Globe recently. "It's easier to attach to the personality that is presented through TikTok or Instagram. That is how things like 'Gemoy' get popular."

Gemoy is the title taken on by presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto. Gemoy means 'cute and chubby' in Indonesian. Gemoy was originally a slang name for Prabowo used by Gen Z and Millenials, since then the name has been fully embraced by Prabowo's Tiktok campaign, with Gen Zs loving his 'cutesy' social media presence and 'gemoy' dances.

While social media has helped younger generations learn more about the candidates, Ghevin argues that it has also created confusion and bandwagoning.

"It is so hard to keep track of all the election information online," said Ghevin. "There's a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) in Indonesia's Gen Zs. Young people sometimes just side with the candidate they think everyone else is siding with, it's easier than filtering through all the information on social media."

The Populix survey attempted to uncover the characteristics and policies Gen Z is looking for in a leader. Around 82 percent of respondents said that having leadership quality was an important characteristic they look for in a candidate, while 76 percent prioritized clear vision and policies. On the other hand, the Chinese-Indonesian and non-Muslim communities are seeking a reliable president, irrespective of religion or race.

"Gen Zs want someone charismatic, someone who talks to people and engages with them," says Sefi, a 21-year-old activist and research assistant.

According to Populix, leadership qualities, clear vision, and likeability are favorable characteristics for Indonesia's young voters. This makes social media campaigns particularly crucial in this election race.

"It's important to me to have a president that actually means what he says, we want action, not just words," says Sefi.

Improving the economy and cost of living is of top priority for Indonesian young people with 24 percent naming it their most important election issue, followed by eradicating corruption.

Rayhan, a small business owner and youth activist, questions whether the election can serve people like him.

"I think Indonesia's democracy is lacking. In terms of preference, I can never have my preference, it doesn't exist," he said.

Rayhan highlighted economic pressures as a significant factor influencing his selection of a candidate.

"It is very difficult to own a house as a young person," said the 24-year-old. "I'm also looking for someone who prioritizes infrastructure and makes it easier to own a home...and ultimately I want someone who can solve the human rights issues in Indonesia, particularly around police brutality," said Rayhan.

In terms of specific policies, 83 percent of survey respondents want the government to create more job opportunities for younger generations. Around 76 percent hope for improved access to education to assist in job security and 72 percent want more specific policies to prevent corruption in government.

This anti-corruption stance is shared by Ghevin. "Corruption threatens our democracy."

Corruption, unemployment, and social justice are key issues that Gen Z will be looking into when choosing a candidate. National identity is also a concern among Gen Zs, although it is not reflected in the survey findings.

"Indonesia has lost its identity," said Sefi. The influences of the West, China, and more recently Korea have impacted, and in some ways eroded, Indonesian culture.

"I want someone who maintains the values of Indonesians and stands on their own values, someone who is committed to lowering corruption and nepotism in our government," said the 21-year-old.

Populix's survey on Gen Z and Millennial voting habits attempts to uncover Indonesian young people's understanding of the election. But with a constantly evolving social media landscape, surveys will always struggle to capture the political attitudes of young Indonesians.

The research was conducted from Aug. 31 to Sept. 12, 2023. The qualitative approach involved 16 mini online focus group discussions (FGDs) with millennials and Gen Z individuals aged 17 and above in both large and small cities in Indonesia.

The quantitative approach included an online survey conducted through the Populix app, targeting a total of 1,000 male and female respondents aged 17-39 in Indonesia.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/first-time-voters-how-is-gen-z-voting-in-the-2024-electio