CIVED Delivers: Youth are serious about running Indonesia, their own way
(Who says democracy subject is boring?)

Excerpted from CIVED Newsletter, Volume 2, November 2007

The audience

Who said youth simply don’t care and don’t know how to run a country?
CIVED proved that they are serious about politics, well versed on presidential campaign methods, eager to run the country their own way … the fun way.

On a bright, sunny morning 2 groups of youth facilitated by CIVED and Penala Hati, a civic and leadership training non-government organization, campaigned vigorously to win the presidential seat of “Jollie Land”. The rest were acting as the larger community that the two “political parties” must win over through their “development concepts”. Each presidential and vice presidential candidate presented their vision, mission and dream on how Jollie Land should be run.

“In Jollie Land, education is our main concern. It will all be free of charge. The transportation facilities and infrastructure are excellent hence we never experience traffic jam. All young people are stimulated to be creative in developing their hobbies within the free-for-all facilities. Internet and cellular phone cards are free so we can pursue our study easily,” explained Elda, a psychology student, the presidential candidate from the first group.

Whitney's trying very hard to be a President

“It’s all about fun in Jollie Land”, said Whitney, the other presidential candidate. “Every day is fun day. There are parties everywhere. The parties are all positive activities such as bazaar, festivals or concerts. While we enjoy ourselves we meet many more people, learn and work”.

Rebuking protest from the audience, both answered smartly. Elda believed that the free-for-all services are made to stimulate economic growth. Free schooling will produce many intelligent people; fast-paced transportation results in productivity, hobbies are developed into works and profitable businesses. Whitney would not back off, she countered that “all about fun” concept did not mean having parties all the time but it highlighted the fun environment like in a big bazaar, having transactions in colorful situation, fun and frolic.

Elda has more convincing develeopment goals to tell.

The “community” ultimately elected Elda as their president overseen by the “Independent Election Body” comprising Penala Hati and CIVED officials. How did Whitney-the-loser react to her loss? “Their victory is ours as well because it’s Jollie Land’s. We opted to be the opposition party to watch whether development goals are met”, she contented. The President elect then delivered her first official speech.

The clock ticked and before everybody was aware, one hour had passed. Indra J. Piliang, a well known political analyst praised CIVED’s initiative to organize the uncommon “election” which was much better than the genuine one. Who says democracy subject is boring?

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