Post-Reform Democracy Must Not Go Back

MediaBantenCyber.co.id — (MBC) TangerangThe youngest member of the Banten Province DPRD from the PDI Perjuangan faction, Abraham Garuda Laksono, stated that Generation Z’s voice was an important warning amidst the discourse of transferring regional head elections from a direct election mechanism by the people to the DPR and DPRD. According to him, for the younger generation, post-reform democracy is a collective achievement that cannot be taken back.

Abraham revealed that he obtained this view from various discussions and meetings with Gen Z in Banten who actively voiced their anxiety about the future direction of democracy. The younger generation, he said, views direct elections as a real manifestation of people’s sovereignty.

“For Gen Z, direct election of regional heads is not just an electoral procedure. It is about legitimacy, accountability and people’s trust in government,” said Abraham, Sunday, January 25 2026.

He emphasized that amidst the strengthening discourse of transferring regional elections to the DPR and DPRD, PDI Perjuangan remains firm and consistent in maintaining the people’s direct participation in determining their leaders.

“Direct participation of the people is the foundation of post-reform democracy that must not be withdrawn,” he stressed.

Abraham warned that if regional head elections were completely handed over to representative institutions, various serious risks could potentially arise. Starting from the strengthening of transactional politics, the return of old gratification practices, to the emergence of regional election brokers.

“Gen Z sees this as a serious threat. Democracy could move away from the will of the people if the process becomes increasingly closed,” he said.

In Generation Z’s view, continued Abraham, the change that Indonesia currently needs is not a change in political mechanisms that risks opening up space for power transactions, but real change that has a direct impact on people’s lives.

“Gen Z wants the DPR and the government to focus on real problems such as employment opportunities, environmental protection, flood management and sustainable development,” he explained.

Abraham also emphasized that PDI Perjuangan has shown that low-cost politics is not just a slogan. According to him, mutual cooperation, collective work and closeness to the people are the main foundations for building legitimate power.

“I believe that the election of governors, regents and mayors must still be carried out directly by the people, as the holders of supreme sovereignty,” he said.

He closed by emphasizing the basic principles of democracy that Generation Z continues to voice.

“Legitimate power is only born from the will of the people. As long as the people’s voice is maintained, this republic will remain standing,” concluded Abraham. (*)