Synopsis

"Dilema Demokrasi Diaspora" is a short documentary that delves into the nuanced challenges faced by the Indonesian diaspora in Hamburg, Germany, during the 2024 elections. This film uncovers the complexities and unintended consequences of maintaining democratic participation for citizens living abroad, highlighting a significant error in the electoral data management and the ensuing trust issues between the diaspora and the election committee, known as PPLN (Panitia Pemilihan Luar Negeri).

Background

The Indonesian diaspora faces unique challenges in participating in their homeland's democratic processes, especially during elections. The 2024 Indonesian elections highlighted significant issues related to the voting rights of Indonesians living abroad, particularly in Hamburg, Germany. An error in the electoral data led to individuals who had relinquished their Indonesian citizenship and no longer held Indonesian passports receiving postal votes. This incident not only caused confusion among the diaspora but also raised questions about the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process managed by the Panitia Pemilihan Luar Negeri (PPLN), the committee responsible for organizing overseas voting. The situation revealed deeper dilemmas about democracy, citizenship, and the practical challenges of engaging a dispersed population in national elections. 

Objective

The primary objective of "Dilema Demokrasi Diaspora" is to explore and document the multifaceted challenges faced by the Indonesian diaspora in Hamburg during the 2024 elections, focusing on the data error incident and its implications. The film aims to:

• Illuminate the Complexities: Shed light on the logistical and administrative challenges of facilitating diaspora voting in democratic elections, highlighting the specific issues encountered by Indonesians in Hamburg.

• Voice Diaspora Concerns: Provide a platform for the Indonesian diaspora to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions for improving the electoral process abroad.

• Examine Responses: Investigate how the PPLN and other relevant authorities address the data error and the broader challenges of diaspora voting, including measures taken to restore trust and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

• Stimulate Dialogue: Encourage a constructive dialogue among the Indonesian diaspora, electoral authorities, and policymakers on enhancing democratic participation for citizens living abroad.

• Raise Awareness: Increase awareness of the importance of accurate electoral data management and the need for transparent, inclusive voting mechanisms that accommodate the realities of the diaspora.

Approach

The film will adopt a multi-faceted documentary approach, combining on-the-ground interviews, expert analyses, and archival footage to create a comprehensive narrative. The methodology includes:

• Personal Stories: Capturing the personal accounts of Indonesian citizens in Hamburg affected by the voting data error, their reactions, and their perspectives on what democracy means to them as members of the diaspora.

• Expert Insights: Including interviews with political analysts, election officials, and legal experts to provide context on the challenges of diaspora voting, the importance of accurate data management, and potential reforms.

• Investigative Reporting: Examining the processes and mechanisms employed by the PPLN to manage overseas voting, how the error occurred, and the steps taken to rectify it and prevent future issues.

• Visual Documentation: Utilizing visual storytelling to depict the vibrant Indonesian community in Hamburg, their cultural expressions, and their engagement in the political process despite geographical separation from their homeland.

• Solution-Oriented Dialogue: Facilitating discussions among the community on practical solutions and innovations to improve the diaspora voting experience, ensuring every Indonesian citizen, regardless of where they live, can participate effectively in their country's democracy.

By adopting this comprehensive approach, "Dilema Demokrasi Diaspora" aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with maintaining a democratic connection with citizens living abroad, offering insights and recommendations for future electoral cycles.