JAKARTA, Indonesia, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Deputy Ministry of Youth Development, Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) held a political literacy seminar entitled "Seminar Milenial Indonesia Melek Politik" on December 4, 2018 at Theater Room, Kemenpora, Jakarta. Attended by hundreds of youth and students from various universities and organizations in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi, this seminar presents an insightful and educative discussion, aiming to encourage smart young voters in Indonesia to participate at the upcoming 2019 Indonesian Presidential Election on April 2019.
Emphasizing on challenges, roles, and youth participation on the electoral processes, key speakers at the seminar were Hasanuddin Ali, CEO and Founder of the Alvara Research Center, as well as book author of "Millennial Nusantara"; Adi Prayitno, political observer of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta; and Juri Ardiantoro, an expert of the Indonesia's Presidential Staff Office (KSP), previously served as General Election Commission (KPU)'s Chairman.
"Politics participation is not just about selecting a candidate, but how we, as young generation, represent the best about our national spirit. Unfortunately, many young generation still show their apathy to participate, or choose a candidate on an emotional basis, not rational thoughts," said Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh, Deputy Minister of Youth Development, at the opening event.
Asrorun added that millennials aged 18-38 years are now dominating the total population in Indonesia. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs' DP4, out of a total of more than 5 million voters in 2019, 55% are coming from beginner voters aged 17-38 years. A research from the Alvara Research Center added, 8 out of 10 millennial generations are connected to the internet, which means that they are very active in using social media. Unfortunately, political content still occupies the top position of hoax and fake news content. "Hence, it is important to combat hoaxes and disinformation with rational literacy and thoughts. We need to emphasize diversity as the wealth of our nation, not to be opposed to achieving certain political goals," said Sholeh.
Responding to this issue, Hasanuddin Ali, CEO and Founder of the Alvara Research Center, shared his strategy during a discussion session entitled "Peran Pemuda dalam Pemilu." Based on research conducted by the Alvara Research Center, Hasanuddin explained, there was a special phenomenon in millennial politics, which lower their loyalty level in selecting a candidate. Additionally, there are many young people who rely their information's sources on social media and today, only 22.3% of young people are still reading a newspaper.
"In fact, social media has a special algorithm. We are unconscious that we only get news according to our interests. Thus, the information we received may be essentially subjective. It is important for young generation to be more observant by filtering any information before sharing on social media, in order to avoid any hatred, hoaxes, and disinformation," said Hasanuddin Ali.
Information filtering process is highly important, particularly to curate content on social media. "Politics is about beliefs and society, thus we need to unite and tackle every hoax or slander about politics on social media. This is being an important part of non-conventional political participation, that is crucial to succeed national politics ecosystems in Indonesia. Youth may have different choices, however, don't ever let them spread hatred and slander against other candidates," said Adi Prayitno, political observer of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, during a discussion session entitled "Agar Milenial Melek Politik."
Adi Prayitno explained rational voters as individual who chooses candidates based on vision, mission, reputation, and progressive program. Unfortunately, the participation of the youth and the community in voting a candidate has now declined. In a discussion session entitled "Menangkal Hoax, Menjadi Pemilih Cerdas," Juri Ardiantoro, an expert of the Indonesia's Presidential Staff Office (KSP), previously served as General Election Commission (KPU)'s Chairman explained, "There are two reasons behind this phenomenon. First, the tendency of people that are unwilling to vote; and second, there are a lot of people, now reaches 30 million people in Indonesia, who are still confused to decide their choices."
Juri Ardiantoro added, the two phenomena above now become a democratic paradox. "If youth want to be involved, it will certainly bring the nation to a better prosperity. Conversely, if the right to vote is not used, then we will bear the huge loss. Always keep in mind that almost all state affairs and nationalities are decided by people elected in the election. Therefore, this special moment of the 2019 election will become an opportunity for youth to build a better democracy for the Indonesian nation," as concluded by Juri Ardiantoro.
About Ministry of Youth and Sports of Republic of Indonesia (Kemenpora):
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenpora) is a ministry within the Government of Indonesia that is in charge of youth and sports affairs of Indonesia. In order to perform their duties, Kemenpora has a vision: to increase youth potential resources by utilizing cross-sectoral partnerships among levels of government; manifesting youths' character, capacity, and competitiveness through the preparation of youth cadres according to the characteristics of youth who have the spirit of stability, volunteerism, and responsibility; increase the potential of sports resources by utilizing cross-sectoral, intergovernmental, and community partnerships; as well as realizing athlete achievement in competition at regional and international levels.
