TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - With the election campaign starting to slow down in regards to the Gubernatorial election in Jakarta on Wednesday 15^th of February 2017, the importance of elections and democracy are at the forefront of political and non-political conversations.

Election campaigning and the voting sentiment highlights the importance of a voice and having the right to vote, something the Indonesian peoples have struggled for throughout their turbulent history.

Why we vote is a question asked with no one answer. The reasons behind why an individual votes can vary, but the right to vote is unquestionable in a democratic society like Indonesia.

Ibu Amanda, a constituent at the Taman Suropati TPS (Polling booths) said “It’s is not compulsory to vote, but that’s my right. My right to fulfil.”

The background behind the electoral process in Indonesia is slightly complex, with their independence and journey towards democracy, voting has become an interment aspect of Indonesian society.

From Sukarno’s foreign policy building and his attempt at establishing a de-facto democracy to Suharto’s new order and authoritarian regime, Indonesia’s political landscape and plight for democracy has had its peaks and troughs. It has shaped not only the national political atmosphere but also the subsequent local and sub-district political landscapes.

In regards to the gubernatorial election, local elections for governors and executives on a district and city level happens throughout Indonesia; completed in a staggered modus throughout the duration of the year.

According to a document published by the House of election (Rumah Pemilu) “The 1999 elections were the first democratic national elections since 1955. Local direct elections for governor, mayor, and bupati have been held on a rolling basis in all parts of the country since 2005.”

The voting age in Indonesia is 17. However, married persons regardless of age can vote.

In 2016 the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) said that 7.1 million people would be eligible to exercise their voting rights in the 2017 gubernatorial election.

Two independent election-day workers Khairiah and Putri Mayang Sari spent the day assisting at the polling booths and the fast-count of the results from their station at Taman Suropati Menteng, TPS. 018.

Ms Sari and Kairiah said that it is your responsibility to use your voice and vote in the elections in relation to being asked why we vote.

Kairiah said, “Well, you don't have to, but for us Indonesians it is a must. Because each single vote matters, it determines the fate of our nation, despite that it is only for Jakarta, Jakarta is the capital city. So we need to vote. It's a must (obligatory). It isn't just about being involved by voting, we also have to monitor (the process/ the candidates).”

She then said “If you don't vote, don't even bother complaining. If you have something to say, you vote. It’s a responsibility. If I vote for Ahok, I have to be sure that he's going to succeed. If I vote for Anies, I have to be sure he's also going to perform well, but if not we should also be able to criticise.”

Miss Sari echoed Miss Kairah sentiment and said, “In this case, we also need to vote with heart."

It is important to understand the context of the political climate of Indonesia and the history of elections whether they are local governments or the presidential election.

Although the initial 15^th of February Jakarta gubernatorial is over and the controversy surrounding Ahok's blasphemy trial and the growing tensions between religion, culture and ethnicity, the ultimate election result could shape Jakarta and Indonesia's future going ahead.

The Indonesian population collectively must look towards the elections on their horizons such as the 2019 presidential election and continue their political dialogue and engage within the democratic process in Indonesia.

MALA DARMADI