Perludem invited young people to reflect on Indonesia’s electoral history, evaluate challenges facing electoral democracy, and voice their aspirations for the 2029 Elections at the Electoral Democracy Festival 2026, held in Jakarta on October 9. Through historical storytelling, talk shows, and a town hall meeting, Perludem encouraged young people to understand the challenges facing democracy and recognize opportunities to participate in advancing electoral reform.
Historian JJ Rizal opened the series of discussions with a storytelling session tracing Indonesia’s electoral history from the Old Order and New Order periods to the post-Reformasi era. He invited participants to revisit how elections can be used to maintain power when political competition is not conducted democratically. This historical reflection highlighted the importance of public participation and oversight to ensure that elections are not merely formal procedures, but genuine mechanisms for democratic transfers of power.
Challenges facing electoral democracy were also discussed in a talk show titled “Electoral Democracy and Electoral Reform.” The discussion examined the 2024 Elections, challenges to Indonesian democracy, and the urgency of reforming electoral regulations to ensure more democratic and credible elections. It also provided a space for young people to better understand electoral issues and recognize the importance of public participation in advancing electoral reform.
A subsequent talk show explored the state of Indonesia’s electoral democracy and young people’s aspirations for the 2029 Elections. The discussion featured Perludem Executive Director Heroik M. Pratama, Feri Amsari, and Almas Sjafrina. Topics included an evaluation of the 2024 Elections, the urgency of revising the Election Law, and the importance of involving young people in overseeing the process of electoral law reform.
The festival then provided young people with an opportunity to voice their aspirations through a town hall meeting featuring young politicians. In an interactive question-and-answer format, participants were able to share their views and raise questions about the state of electoral democracy and their hopes for the 2029 Elections.
The revision of the Election Law was among the key issues discussed at the event. Electoral reform needs to be overseen by the public, including young people, to ensure that the deliberation process is transparent and participatory. Public involvement should go beyond expressing opinions; it must also be supported by access to information and consideration of public input in decision-making.
In addition to the discussions, the festival featured musical performances by Kunto Aji and Endah N Rhesa. Several civil society organizations also set up booths to introduce their advocacy work on a range of issues, including anti-corruption, elections, artificial intelligence in politics, digital security, access to information, and communities’ rights to a healthy environment.
Through these activities, Perludem encouraged young people to take an active role in safeguarding democracy, not only by exercising their right to vote but also by engaging in policymaking processes. Ahead of the 2029 Elections, young people’s involvement in overseeing the revision of the Election Law represents an important opportunity to voice their aspirations and push for improvements to Indonesia’s electoral system. []
Ajid Fuad Muzaki
Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem)
