Beritasatu Team, Jakarta - February 14, 2024, marks a historic moment for the people of Indonesia. On that day, the 2024 elections (Pemilu) will enter the voting process, the culmination of the largest democratic event in the country. Coinciding with Valentine's Day, some Indonesians affectionately refer to it as "Pemiluv."
A total of 204.81 million voters will decide who will be the president and vice president of Indonesia, along with members of the legislative bodies (DPR, DPD, and DPRD) for the next five years. High public participation will ensure the credibility of the 2024 elections.
Alfandi (21), a sixth-semester student at a private university in West Jakarta, expressed enthusiasm for the voting moment. The 2024 elections mark his first time participating as a voter.
"Previously, I only accompanied my parents to the polling station, and now I can genuinely be a voter," said Alfandi when interviewed by Beritasatu.com, a sister publication of the Jakarta Globe, recently.
As a first-time voter, he feels a sense of responsibility to exercise his democratic right. According to him, elections are a crucial moment for determining the direction of the nation.
"As members of society, we must actively voice our aspirations, and one way to do that is through these elections. Since this is my first time participating, I certainly don't want to miss it," he said.
Selvia (19), a student at a state university in Bogor, shared a similar sentiment. She expressed her determination not to waste the opportunity to vote, considering this is her first time participating as a voter in an election.
"Definitely, because this is a five-yearly agenda. As young people, we must also be involved in activities like these elections," she said.
She claimed to have made a firm decision after following the campaign and debates of the 2024 election participants. Moreover, information is now easily accessible through various media.
"Nowadays, the candidates' campaigns have also expanded to social media. Their programs can be accessed online. So, we can choose who we believe is worthy of being a leader," she added.
Alfandi and Selvia are part of Generation Z (those born between 1997-2012), categorized as first-time voters for the 2024 elections. A total of 46.8 million voters in the 2024 elections belong to Generation Z.
In the 2024 elections, the General Election Commission (KPU) observes that young voters, comprising both Generation Z and Generation Y (born between 1981-1996), constitute the majority on the voters' list, accounting for 56.45 percent of the total electorate.
Voter participation is a crucial issue in every election, as it determines the process and legitimacy of the election results.
KPU Commissioner August Melasz believes that voter participation is a vital foundation in a democracy. If people do not participate, they lose the opportunity to express their political choices and decide who will lead the country for the next five years.
"As we know, the 2024 elections involve not only the presidential election but also the legislative election. They have the authority to form laws together with the president, which will impact the lives of Indonesian citizens," said Melasz during a national seminar held by Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia at the end of January.
He revealed that voter participation in the last three elections (2009, 2014, and 2019) has continuously increased. In 2019, voter participation reached 79 percent. KPU aims to increase voter participation in the 2024 elections compared to the previous elections.
"KPU has invited various segments of society to come to the polling stations on Feb. 14, 2024. KPU is targeting the youth by visiting campuses or high schools," Melasz explained.
KPU has provided various channels for election participants to disseminate their programs. With easy access to information, both through mass media and social media, KPU is optimistic that the public now can make well-informed choices.
"We have successfully passed various stages, from the determination of the voter list to the designation of candidates in the 2024 elections, campaigns, and debates. Therefore, people should be more confident in making their choices. Consequently, voter participation this time should be better than the previous elections," he said.
Say no to golput
In a separate statement, a political observer from Al Azhar University Indonesia, Ujang Komarudin, urged eligible Indonesian voters to voice their aspirations. He appealed to the public not to abstain from voting or become a non-voter (golput).
Golput is always associated with voters who are indifferent or apathetic to the political situation, ultimately deciding not to go to the polling stations on election day.
"Golput is not a choice. Golput is a form of indifference and disappointment that will only create political problems and impact the nation's development," said Ujang Komarudin.
"Regardless of the candidates for president and vice president offered, people must still vote based on conscience and rationality. Choose the best among the available options," he added.
Ujang also said the fatwa (edict) from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) declaring golput as religiously forbidden (haram). Therefore, Muslim voters are bound by this fatwa.
"Golput is considered a sinful act. This means that for Muslims bound by the MUI fatwa if they abstain from voting or choose not to vote on election day, it is considered forbidden and sinful," he explained.
Time to vote
It's time for the Indonesian people to determine the fate of Indonesia through the 2024 elections. For the legislative elections in 2024, 18 national political parties are participating, including the National Awakening Party (PKB), Gerindra Party, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Golkar Party, Nasdem Party, Labor Party, and the Indonesian Movement Party.
Other parties include the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), Nusantara Awakening Party (PKN), Hanura Party, Garuda Party, National Mandate Party (PAN), Crescent Star Party (PBB), Democratic Party, Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), Indonesian Unity Party (Perindo), United Development Party (PPP), and the Ummat Party.
In addition to national parties, the 2024 elections also involve six local political parties, namely the Aceh Homeland Party, Generation Party for Aceh's Welfare, Darul Aceh Party, Aceh Party, Fair and Prosperous Aceh Party, and the Independent Solidarity Party of Aceh.
As for the presidential elections (Pilpres) in 2024, KPU has determined three pairs of presidential and vice-presidential candidates: Pair number 1 Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, Pair number 2 Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Pair number 3 Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/its-time-to-vote-your-choice-matters-and-say-no-to-golpu