Becoming a Smart Gen Z and Millennial Voter

            Indonesia's system of government is a democracy, in which political power is held by the people. One way democracy is applied in Indonesia is through elections (general elections). General elections are usually closely tied to the selection of leaders. This is of course very crucial for all citizens because Indonesia's system of government is itself a democracy.

            The 2024 general election is touted to become the largest democratic festival in the world. This has become a special concern for all of society ahead of the 2024 general election, in which the upcoming democratic festival will also determine the 2024 presidential candidates. What stands out about the upcoming democratic festival is the large number of Generation Z and millennials taking part in the 2024 general election. In the Permanent Voter List (DPT) for the 2024 general election, it is estimated that 22.85% of voters are from Generation Z, while millennials make up 33.60% of the total 2024 DPT. From this data we can see that Generation Z and millennials are one of the deciding factors of the general election. All citizens are the focal point in the general election, especially Generation Z and millennials.

             These days, Generation Z and millennials are an easy target in the 2024 general election, even more so for the prospective presidential candidates this coming February. Competition among prospective presidential candidates is also heating up ahead of the 2024 general election. The prospective presidential candidates are of course competing to win the enthusiasm of Gen Z and millennials in the upcoming presidential election. The candidates have already been tripping each other up in political strategy in order to win the hearts of the public, especially Generation Z and millennials who dominate the upcoming general election. 

             The selection of prospective presidential candidates has become the spotlight of all society, especially Gen Z and millennials, because of the tight competition among the prospective presidential candidates in the upcoming general election. The three candidates running as prospective presidential candidates in 2024 are Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar Pranowo, and Anies Baswedan. These three prospective presidential candidates of course each have their own flagship vision and mission.

             At the Narasi event featuring the three prospective presidential candidates, each of them presented their ideas on various current topics. Anies Baswedan expressed his ideas on various issues ranging from job creation to the development of renewable energy. Ganjar Pranowo explained the transformation of six strategic pillars covering food, the environment, digital, energy, law enforcement, as well as education and health. Meanwhile, Prabowo Subianto, who was given the last opportunity to present his ideas, explained the strategy for transforming the nation towards Golden Indonesia 2045. 

             Not only from the ideas of each prospective presidential candidate, Generation Z and millennials immediately fix on one person they will vote for in the coming February election. So, what are the tips for Generation Z and millennials in handling the selection of prospective presidential candidates in 2024? Precisely, Generation Z and millennials must look closely at the commitment of each prospective presidential candidate by examining the track record of each 2024 prospective presidential candidate. The track record of each candidate is clearly important for seeing how far each presidential candidate's commitment goes. Is the track record really one of genuine commitment? Or just fake promises? 

              Generation Z and millennials should also not only pay attention to the track record of prospective presidential candidates, but also look at other aspects. Choosing a prospective presidential candidate should of course not be based only on who is most famous. A further problem in the choices made by Generation Z and millennials is their lack of sensitivity to political aspects; as a result, Generation Z and millennials tend to choose prospective presidential candidates just by who seems popular among Generation Z and millennials, or only by their party, or even, worst of all, by simply following their friends. 

             The prospective presidential candidates have also changed their political style by using social media as their political bridge to Generation Z and millennials. Nevertheless, not a few Generation Z and millennials remain blind to politics, especially regarding the upcoming selection of prospective presidential candidates. This is what Generation Z and millennials must watch out for in choosing prospective presidential candidates. The literacy and awareness of Generation Z and millennials are very important because they are one of the deciding factors in the 2024 presidential candidate election.

               As Generation Z and millennials, they must of course be wise in selecting the leader who will lead the nation for the next five years. The future of the nation depends on what we decide, so Generation Z and millennials must be able to examine and understand the candidates' tactics in campaigning for their vision and mission.