TheJakartaPost
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On politics and relationships
“Let’s be honest, when it comes to politics, no one’s going to change their mind if they don’t want to.” - Marsha, 29
“We choose because it is our right but I won’t necessarily ‘fight to the death’ for my candidate.” - Kyriesa, 63
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icture this scenario: you’re having a nice dinner with your extended family at home. The upcoming election is still looming in the background, and you’ve likely already decided who you’ll be voting for.
It seems it’s all everyone’s talking about – from the newspapers to the TV pundits, from your social media feed to that one person from your alma mater who all of a sudden is running for public office.
This election cycle has been a divisive one, but you’re pretty sure your family will get through it (mostly) unscathed.
Then, the inevitable occurs.
You weren’t sure who started it; perhaps it was an off-hand remark from your aunt, or maybe someone shared something in the family group chat, but now the entire table is arguing. Your father's raised voice could probably be heard by the neighbors, and you find yourself wishing the earth would open up and swallow the dining room in embarrassment.
Ah, politics.
With the 2024 elections coinciding with Valentine’s Day this year, we were curious to see how Indonesians approach (or avoid) the ever-present elephant in the room, and how that has impacted their relationship with either friends, family, significant others or even themselves.
