Esti believes that the Generation Z in the age group of nine to 24 years and millennials in the 25-40 age bracket constituted some 53.52 percent of Indonesia’s population.
"Meanwhile, during the 2019-2024 period, only 10 percent of the DPR members are under the age of 40. These figures demonstrate that youth representation in the parliament is still not optimal," the DPR Commission VII member remarked during the second session of an online discussion titled "Roro Talks" here on Saturday.
Tommy Kurniawan, another young DPR member partaking in the discussion, opined that a certain negative stigma was attached to the field of politics among Indonesian youth. However, this had spurred the DPR Commission VI member to demonstrate that the youth in the Indonesian parliament had high integrity and were dedicated to doing their job.
Another discussion participant -- young DPR member Rizki Natakusumah -- admitted to being initially cynical of joining the world of politics.
However, the DPR Commission I member realized that being able to do so was a rare opportunity and might just impel other Indonesian youth to bring about a change. Hence, he decided to join the DPR.
DPR Commission X member Bramantyo Suwondo, the final participant in the discussion, said he entered the world of politics on the belief that he could make a greater contribution to the country.
Esti continues to harbor hopes that despite the current number of youth in the DPR , the best can be done to fight for the people’s interests under the commission being served in. Related news: Parliament restricts attendance at meetings to curb COVID spread
Related news: Government should review VAT imposition plan on basic needs: DPR
Translator: Kelik Dewanto, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
