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

¹ Center of Character Development, Krida Wacana Christian University, Jl. Tanjung Duren Raya No. 4 Jakarta 11470, Indonesia
² Faculty of Economics, Krida Wacana Christian University, Jl. Tanjung Duren Raya No. 4 Jakarta 11470, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: yanny.mokorowu@ukrida.ac.id

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.