How Buying Power Affects Political Preferences

In times of economic pressure, buying power directly affects the political choices of voters in Indonesia. It drives people to seek economic benefits that can be felt the quickest. Economic uncertainty leads voters from vulnerable economic groups to act pragmatically and aim for the most certain outcomes. Such an approach is driven by basic needs, with unmet needs taking precedence. Voters in difficult economic situations often prefer leaders who can quickly respond to their needs, even at the expense of other political values. However, this can lead to compromises with ethical standards. The solution to mitigating short-term incentives lies in strengthening economic and political literacy. A successful democracy will occur when voters can not only freely vote but also critically evaluate long-term values.