Hosting an E-Sport Tournament, Golkar: Politicians Shouldn't Just Know How to Gather Votes

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Secretary General of the Golkar Party Sarmuji believes that politicians need to better understand the characteristics and needs of the younger generation, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, so they do not only approach them for electoral gain.

Sarmuji pointed out that politicians tend to view young people primarily from an electoral perspective without truly understanding their world, interests, and the issues that matter to them.

"So far, politicians seem to only know one color, which is to seek votes, but they do not grasp what today's youth are like. What are their hobbies, what do they like, what are their interests, what characteristics define them, what issues matter to them, or what topics are particularly sensitive," Sarmuji stated while delivering his remarks at the closing of the e-sport tournament titled the Golkar Main Together Cup (MBG) at the Golkar Party DPP office in Jakarta on Saturday (14/11/2026).

Sarmuji emphasized that the e-sport tournament is a symbolic effort by Golkar to show attention to the development of youth culture.

He asserted that today's young generation possesses distinct characteristics compared to previous ones, especially in their use of digital technology.

He explained that Gen Z is a generation accustomed to the digital world from a young age, so technology is no longer something they must learn specifically. Instead, it has become an integral part of their daily lives.

"For Gen Z, the digital world is no longer a technology but a tool they use daily. So they do not classify digital as something that must be mastered since they already practice it in their everyday lives," he said.

Moreover, the habits of the younger generation in using digital technology now extend beyond merely seeking information to finding solutions to various problems.

"They are very familiar with it. Perhaps at some point, when deciding which partner to marry, they might just compile digital data and receive recommendations from the digital world about whom they should marry," Sarmuji remarked.

Therefore, Sarmuji believes that politicians must continually seek to understand the evolution of youth culture, including their language, habits, and interests.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Golkar Main Together Cup organizing committee, Dave Laksono, expressed hope that the e-sport tournament would serve as a platform for young people to develop their creativity, showcase their talents, and compete positively.

Dave stated that the tournament also aims to strengthen the relationship between the Golkar Party and the younger generation.

"We hope this activity will provide a space for young Indonesians to nurture their creativity, channel their talents, and compete positively in line with Golkar's vision," said the DPP Chairman of the Golkar Party.

He mentioned that the tournament featured eight invited teams competing in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, along with 32 teams from 15 youth organizations of the Golkar Party.

Dave expressed hope that this initiative could continue to grow and become an annual routine for the Golkar Party.

"I believe this program will continue to develop in the future and, God willing, will be established as an annual event, demonstrating Golkar's commitment to getting closer to the younger generation, supporting the advancement of e-sports, and adapting to the digital world, particularly in Indonesia's creative digital industry," Dave added.

He also stated that the tournament is part of the celebration for the 62nd Anniversary of the Golkar Party.