BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — The 25th anniversary of the Democratic Party in Bali has become a moment for reflection and consolidation as the party prepares to face the political dynamics leading up to the 2029 General Election.

The anniversary was marked with a modest celebration attended by Democratic Party cadres and officials at the Bali Democratic Party Regional Executive Board (DPD) office in Renon, Denpasar, on Wednesday (Sept. 9).

Ida Bagus Badra, a prominent figure and one of the founders of the Democratic Party in Bali, said the party’s long political journey should serve as an important basis for evaluating and determining its future direction and policies.

“This experience will provide a reflection for the Democratic Party in determining the party’s direction and policies for its future development,” Badra said on the sidelines of the anniversary celebration.

He said the Democratic Party must continue to strengthen its contribution to society, both nationally and particularly in Bali.

According to Badra, a political party’s strength should not be measured solely by its internal organizational structure, but also by the level of public support it can secure through legislative seats and executive positions.

“The strength of the Democratic Party is measured by how far the party can gain support, both in the legislature and the executive,” he said.

Badra also emphasized the importance of maintaining the Democratic Party’s identity as an open political party. He said anyone who wants to join should be given an opportunity, while respecting cadres who had previously worked to build the party.

“Our party is an open party. We respect everyone who wants to come and join. At the same time, those who join must respect their colleagues who have fought and worked for the Democratic Party before them,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2029 General Election, Badra said the Democratic Party must understand the changing characteristics of voters.

He noted that older generations of voters would gradually be replaced by new generations, bringing different perspectives and political preferences.

“Voters change from one generation to another. Some of the older voters may no longer be around, while there are new voters emerging,” he said.

Badra expressed hope that future voters would become increasingly intelligent and critical in making political choices.

He said Indonesia’s political experience, including the transition from representative elections to direct elections, could provide valuable lessons for younger generations when deciding which political parties and candidates to support.

Badra estimated that young and educated voters could account for more than 40 percent of the overall electorate.

“If we look at the population, it is more than 40 percent,” he said.

He argued that educated voters tend to have considerable influence within their families and are more likely to pay attention to issues affecting the future, including equal access to education, employment opportunities and public welfare.

“Educated generations tend to have a greater influence within their families than conventional voters,” he said.

Commenting on the growing trend of young influencers joining the Democratic Party at the national level, Badra said the Bali chapter would first observe developments within the party following its upcoming Regional Conference, or Musda.

He said the Musda would be followed by a process to recruit party officials. This process, he added, would allow the party to assess the political potential and electoral strength of newly recruited figures.

“After the Regional Conference, there will be a recruitment process for the party leadership. From that recruitment, we can see whether those who join actually have an electoral base,” Badra said.

He stressed that the arrival of new figures would benefit the party if they brought genuine voter support.

“If they actually have an electoral base, the party will certainly become stronger,” he said.

Badra added that younger generations generally sought change and new alternatives in politics. He therefore urged the Democratic Party to offer political choices that could respond to the aspirations of younger voters.

“Hopefully, the presence of the Democratic Party can provide an alternative for people to entrust their aspirations to the Democratic Party,” Badra said.