Disruption of Identity: A Qualitative Exploration of the Existential Experience among Minorities in Post 2017’s Jakarta Election

Mokorowu Yanny,Winoto Hery,Peranginangin Prasasti,Saragih Denni Boy

doi:10.1051/shsconf/20207601030

Abstract

Several distinguished philosophers provide insightful reflections on the meaning of alienation, anxiety, and apathy. This paper elaborates on these notions based on Kierkegaard’s idea of anxiety and Marx’s idea of alienation in the experience of the supporters of Basuki Tjahaya Purnama (BTP) after his loss in the Jakarta governor election of 2017. The qualitative findings show the result has left a deep impact among his supporters, especially those who share the same background as BTP, namely the Chinese-Christian minority. In their view, the main reason for BTP’s loss was the racial and religious smear campaign played out during the election. This led them to a deep disappointment in response to the unexpected turn of events. The findings show that the feelings of the Chinese as second-class citizens in Indonesia have resurfaced. At an existential level, it raises anxiety and alienation that has led to social and political apathy among those who identify themselves as the ChineseChristian minority. The existential impact of the disappointment has led to a feeling of indifference and resignation toward political involvement in future democratic affairs.

Highlights

In several surveys, the level of citizen satisfaction with Basuki Tjahaya Purnama’s leadership was as high as 70 % [1]
The goal of this article is to show that anxiety and alienation will disrupt existential identity and in turn, produce the social apathy that has resurfaced among Chinese-Christians
The disruption has resulted from a deep disappointment of losing the ideal leadership candidate who can represent their political aspirations because of a political smear campaign

Summary

Introduction

The level of citizen satisfaction with Basuki Tjahaya Purnama’s (hereafter BTP) leadership was as high as 70 % [1]. It was shocking news when BTP lost the election, and more so among his supporters. The unexpected result saddened those with a Chinese-Christian background since the integrity and competency of BTP’s leadership was a distinct quality among political leaders in Indonesia. He is perceived as an ideal leader who exemplifies the most excellent character that is needed to bring about a real change in Jakarta. Racial and religious issues were the main attack in destroying BTP’s reputation

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion