The Strategic Role of Youth in Realizing Peaceful Regional Elections
By: Syarif Muhammad Taufiq )*
Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) are one of the important moments in democratic life in Indonesia. In this process, youth have a strategic role that should not be ignored. As agents of change and the nation’s next generation, the active involvement of youth in overseeing peaceful regional elections is very vital. They have great potential to create a conducive atmosphere, avoid conflict, and ensure the democratic process runs well.
Along with the development of technology and information, Indonesian youth increasingly have wider access to various information and knowledge. This makes them the front guard in identifying and overcoming various issues that could disrupt the running of the regional elections. With high enthusiasm and idealism, young people can act as critical supervisors, report fraud, and educate the public about the importance of honest and fair regional elections.
In the current digital era, technological developments are also increasingly rapid, where many young people are also participating in the world of politics through social media. Social media allows them to discuss, share information, and voice opinions on political issues. Therefore, the younger generation can be said to be the main actor in politics in cyberspace. The form of participation they take will determine how democracy works.
The Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi, emphasized the importance of the young generation’s active role in upholding a healthy and responsible democracy through the narrative of the 2024 Peaceful Pilkada. The involvement of the young generation is expected not only as voters, but also as agents of change who build awareness of issues. strategies that influence the future of the country. With their intellectual capacity, the younger generation is expected to be at the forefront in countering issues such as political polarization and the spread of false information (hoaxes) which are prone to occur in the digital world.
Chairman of the Lampung Catholic Youth Regional Commissariat, Falentinus Andi, hopes that cooperation between religious youth organizations in Pringsewu Regency can continue to run well. He emphasized the importance of the role of youth as pioneers in creating a harmonious, harmonious and peaceful community life.
Head of the Pringsewu Regency Youth, Sports and Tourism Service, Ibnu Harjianto, stated that the regional government supports every effort by elements of society aimed at advancing and improving the welfare of the people of Pringsewu Regency, including initiatives carried out by Catholic Youth. Ibnu emphasized that the role of youth is very important in the running of the country and government, where the enthusiasm and creativity of youth is able to strengthen national unity. Diversity, according to him, is the power to build a nation.
The younger generation can act as agents of change to increase political participation among their peers. They can organize political education campaigns, public discussions, or social activities that invite other young people to participate in the political process. By raising awareness and involving more young people, they can become a force driving positive change in the political system.
)* Member of the Ansor Youth Movement, Pringsewu Regency, Lampung
