Youth-driven Political Change In Indonesia

Seeing the differences in political campaigns in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, and why young people are dominant in winning in these three countries.

Mohamad Idrak Olii - Omy

6/5/20232 min read

silhouette of man holding flag during daytime
silhouette of man holding flag during daytime

As an Indonesian citizen living in Malaysia and Thailand in recent years, I can provide an overview of the differences in political campaigns in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as offer insights into why young people often succeed in general elections. I will also explain youth campaign styles, and highlight examples of unique and low-cost political campaigns with a focus on youth-led change movements and emphasize the importance of young people contributing to state politics for the better development of Indonesia.

Political campaigns in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia vary in terms of strategies, messaging, and political landscapes. In Malaysia, campaigns are often characterized by intense competition between major political parties. They heavily rely on traditional campaign methods such as rallies, door-to-door campaigning, and mass media advertising. Personalities and party affiliations play significant roles in shaping political discourse.

In Thailand, political campaigns have witnessed a complex environment due to frequent political turmoil. Strategies here often involve mobilizing grassroots support through local networks and community-based activities. Social media has also emerged as a powerful tool, allowing candidates to connect directly with the electorate.

In Indonesia, political campaigns are diverse and reflect the country's vast geographical and cultural differences. While traditional campaign methods like rallies and door-to-door visits remain prevalent, the use of social media has grown significantly in recent years. Political debates, public forums, and television appearances are also common campaign tactics.

Young people often succeed in general elections due to several factors. Firstly, they tend to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, which resonate with a growing segment of the electorate looking for change. Additionally, young candidates often have strong connections with their peers and are more adept at utilizing social media platforms, allowing them to engage with a wider audience and mobilize support effectively.

Youth campaign styles often reflect their understanding of digital platforms and their ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with their target audience. They harness the power of social media to build grassroots movements, raise awareness, and engage with voters. They employ tactics such as online petitions, viral campaigns, and collaborative projects to attract attention and mobilize support.

Several youth-led change movements have achieved remarkable success with unique and low-cost political campaigns. For instance, in Indonesia, the "Kawal Pemilu" movement aimed to ensure transparency in the 2014 presidential election. They recruited volunteers to monitor voting processes across the country using mobile apps, providing valuable data to prevent fraud.

Another example is the "Gerakan #TolakRUUKUHP" movement, which successfully opposed the passage of a controversial criminal code bill in 2019. They utilized social media platforms to raise awareness about the potential negative implications of the bill, organized peaceful protests, and engaged with lawmakers to reconsider its contents.

These examples demonstrate that youth-led movements can achieve significant impact even with limited resources. Their ability to harness technology and effectively communicate their messages has proven to be a powerful tool for social and political change.

In conclusion, young people in Indonesia must actively engage in state politics to bring about meaningful change and contribute to the country's development. The differences in political campaigns in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia reflect the unique characteristics and dynamics of each country. By embracing innovative campaign strategies, utilizing social media, and working collectively, young Indonesians can make a difference in shaping the political landscape and driving positive change for our nation's progress.