Globalization that occurs along with rapid technological advances brings up terms to distinguish one generation from another, from 'baby boomers' to millennials and zillennials with different mindsets. The millennial and zillenial generations will certainly be very influential in reviving the dynamics of democracy in Indonesia. The topic was discussed at an offline seminar by the Association of Pancasila Citizens (PWP) on "Millennial & Zillennial Generations in Political Dynamics of Elections" in Mlati, Sleman, Yogyakarta, and online on Zoom and YouTube (Saturday, 22/10/2022). Participants came from various backgrounds, including students from several campuses in Yogyakarta and social institutions, such as Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta which accommodates students to take part in the seminar as part of preparing young people to welcome the Indonesian political year and the 2024 elections.
In this seminar, Prof. Dr. Nindyo Pramono, S.H., M.S., as an adviser to PWP, revealed that the association formed because of concern for the ideology of Pancasila which is threatened with fading in modern times. It is hoped that the association can remind people about Pancasila as a national ideology that can unite the nation's children who have different beliefs, cultures, and groups. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Irwan Abdullah, chairman of the PWP said that the millennial generation which was born in a new civilization with technological advances created a very different social and political atmosphere, so, it is important to build human resources as the key in determining the direction of the future. So, education about information security, information technology, and politics is needed.
Brigadier General Dr. Andry Wibowo, S.IK, M.H, M.SI., head of the Yogyakarta Special Region Intelligence Agency, as the 'keynote speaker' said that speaking about Pancasila, we must look at space and time and then interpret and re-imagine the journey of national conceptualists, that comes to the point of understanding where we find a basic norm of a consensus we view Indonesia, namely Pancasila. He also said that in a multicultural society, there should be one greeting that can represent all existing elements.
Then, Danang Giri Sadewa, a young observer, revealed the data showing the largest social media user of WhatsApp, followed by other social media. The millennial generation uses social media not only to communicate but also to do politics. Meanwhile, Bambang Sigap, a senior journalist, said that based on Kompas survey data, the participation of the younger generation joining political organizations is very low or never at all, but when there is an election, their participation tends to be very high. Not only that, it turns out that today's young generation dreams of leaders who are firm, capable, populist, real action, fair and honest. Next, Dr. Pratama Persadha, a cyber security expert and Director of CISSReC said that a lot of hoax news is spread on social media so everyone needs to read the news or information carefully, then check the truth. He added tips against hoaxes, namely being careful with provocative news, paying close attention to site addresses and closing the browser if you find a suspicious site name, checking facts both on social media and on government and community websites, or joining an anti-hoax community.***
This discussion resulted in ideas on how to use technology to engage in politics in the technological era. What participation can millennials provide, is it just a sensation or for profit? Millennials and zillennials are expected to take advantage of social media and technological developments to maintain solidarity, and political democracy, and always maintain Pancasila values. ***