JAKARTA: As the 2024 Indonesia elections approach, young voters, comprising Millennials and Gen Z, prioritise environmental conservation when selecting candidates, said WWF Indonesia Foundation.
The foundation's chief executive officer Aditya Bayunanda disclosed that 97 per cent of young voters would consider supporting candidates committed to environmental preservation.
"Based on survey early last month, 75 per cent claimed awareness of environmental aspects in candidates' visions, while 36 per cent admitted a lack of understanding," he stated.
The survey, encompassing 1,365 respondents aged between 17 and 30 years-old, mirrors the youth's perspective, with 54 per cent of the 204 million voters in the February 14 election being Millennials and Gen Zs.
Teaming up with Populix, a research firm, the survey showed that 85 per cent are impacted by environmental issues, including climate change, such as floods, high temperatures, and droughts.
About 72 per cent recognised the effects of waste and pollution, experiencing problems like respiratory issues due to air quality decline (68 per cent), a decrease in water quality (53 per cent), and 43 per cent detecting damage to forest or marine ecosystems, Aditya added.
Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy, is gearing up for its general election where voters will decide the president, vice president, members of People's Consultative Assembly – comprising the House of Representatives and the Regional Representative Council – and members of local legislative bodies.
In the presidential race, Anies Baswedan is partnering with vice president candidate Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto is running with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ganjar Pranowo, the ruling party's presidential candidate, teams up with Mahfud MD.
During last week's vice-presidential debate, Muhaimin emphasised fair environmental ethics, Gibran highlighted the duty to maintain natural balance, and Mahfud focused on natural resource management. — Bernama