Diskusi Generasi Melek Politik I Faisal Basri, Philips Vermonte, Marco Ivanos, Suzie Sudarman

Why Young Indonesians Should Participate in Politics

Politics is broader than elections and political parties. It includes citizens’ ability to influence decisions and work toward justice. Young people can participate by voting, volunteering, joining civic groups, overseeing public institutions, conducting research, working in media, and taking part in community initiatives.

Key Concerns and Proposals

Build capable and accountable political leadership

An audience member called for political parties to recruit candidates based on integrity and intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and cultural abilities—not merely wealth or popularity.

Speakers also discussed whether Indonesia should have fewer political parties. They cautioned against forcing parties to merge, but noted that electoral thresholds and changes to the electoral system could reduce fragmentation.

Participate beyond party politics

Philips Vermonte cited civic projects such as WikiDPR, which helps the public follow parliamentary proceedings, and Kawal Pemilu, which used crowdsourcing to check election results. These initiatives show how young people can improve transparency and accountability without joining a political party.

Faisal Basri also described the young volunteers who supported his independent 2012 Jakarta gubernatorial campaign.

Keep political participation informed and constructive

Marco Ivanos urged people to check information before sharing or commenting online, and to argue for their views without attacking those who disagree. Speakers warned that misinformation, identity-based campaigning, and political appeals to religious or ethnic divisions can damage public life.

Faisal expressed concern about the politicization of religious sentiment and the military’s role in politics, arguing for the protection of freedom and pluralism.

Strengthen civic and historical understanding

Speakers encouraged young people to read deeply, understand Indonesia’s history and constitutional principles, and make Pancasila meaningful in everyday life.

Suzie Sudarman drew lessons from the United States’ civic culture, particularly volunteer participation and the separation of religion and state. Vermonte highlighted the value of local associations and community service in building trust across social groups.

Do not treat politics as inherently dirty

The panel argued that ethical, evidence-based politics is possible, and that citizens should hold leaders accountable rather than withdraw from public life. Vermonte also warned that if talented young people avoid public service, research, journalism, and government, the public sector may fall further behind private-sector innovation.

Recognize different forms of political engagement

An audience member criticized youth activism as reactive and driven by slogans. Vermonte disagreed that young people are less thoughtful than previous generations, arguing that political expression has shifted to different formats, including social media.

He added that meaningful change can begin with individuals and small initiatives—not only large organizations or long-form writing.

Overall Message

Young people have both the responsibility and the means to shape Indonesia’s future. They can participate locally, scrutinize information, organize with others, and keep political debate principled and inclusive.

Presenters and Contributors

• Faisal Basri
• Philips J. Vermonte
• Suzie Sudarman
• Marco Ivanos
• Moderator: Neildeva Despendya
• Opening contributors named in the subtitles: Choizin Amirullah and Gusti Raganata