2024: Beyond the Buzzwords

As Indonesia braces for the 2024 local elections, a pivotal moment in shaping our legislative landscape, the air is thick with campaign promises. While presidential contests get all the attention, the nitty-gritty of policy-making also happens in the legislative arena. Notably, a widespread trend has emerged — candidates, irrespective of age, embracing youth-centric slogans.

It’s time for voters to transcend catchy phrases and establish a meaningful connection with our potential leaders. What if, instead of political rhetoric, we approached this election akin to a corporate recruitment process?

1. Values

Let’s cut through the campaign noise. Candidates, tell us about your core values. What principles guide your decisions beyond the grand promises? This election is about substance, not just slogans.

2. How, not What

Politicians often serve up utopic visions, but we hunger for more than just words. What concrete steps are they putting on the table, and how do they plan to savor success? If, for example, they’re talking about fixing housing crisis, we want the detailed recipe. Let’s move beyond the appetizers of rhetoric and demand a main course — tangible, well-cooked strategies.

3. Probation

Imagine a probation period for elected officials, much like new hires. It’s about evaluating how they adapt to the role and contribute to effective governance. We need leaders who evolve with the demands of the job.

…a girl can dream, right?

This isn’t about witnessing another leader revel in privilege post-election only to fade into irrelevance. It’s about asking the right questions, establishing checks and balances. As taxpayers, we hold the cards, and the consequences of political decisions reverberate in our daily lives.

In a political landscape often tainted by Machiavellian 4D chess, let’s move past the buzzwords and demand accountability. The power lies with the electorate to turn promises into tangible improvements. We crave future leaders who articulate how they’ll bring about change rather than just why.