Indonesia election 2024: Gen Z and millennial voters ‘critical’ to presidential race outcome

The upcoming Indonesian general election on February 14th is a big deal because more than half of the voters are young people, known as millennials and Gen Z. There are 115 million of them, and they're a powerful group that could decide the next president. Aisah Putri Budiarti, a political researcher, believes that any presidential candidate who wins the support of these young voters is likely to win the election.

Syaidan Ahmad, 21, is both excited and nervous about voting for the first time. She's been researching the candidates and their policies online, as she wants to make an informed decision and not just follow her parents' choice. The young voters have a choice between three pairs of candidates, including the controversial young candidate Gibran, who is the current president's son. His candidacy has sparked debates about fairness and political dynasties.

While social media campaigns with fun content are common, young voters like Syaidan are looking for candidates with clear visions and programs that address issues like education, health care, and job opportunities. They are also sensitive to social justice and minority rights. Political literacy among young Indonesians is growing, and they want leaders who truly represent their interests and concerns. They are taking their time to choose wisely, as their votes could shape the future of Indonesia's democracy.