Indonesia’s Political Volunteer Organizations : Tools of Mobilization and of Patronage

The concept of political volunteerism in Indonesia differs markedly from that in established democracies. In Indonesia, it is less about civic engagement or strengthening democracy and more about serving as a tool for candidates to mobilize voters and win elections.

The relationship between candidates and their volunteers is reciprocal but often imbalanced, fostering opportunities for patronage within electoral politics.

Volunteers emerge from an electoral system requiring candidates to meet high thresholds to participate. In Indonesia’s multiparty system, where most parties fail to meet these thresholds, coalition-building becomes essential as support for the singular candidate.

As a result, candidates often lack strong ties to a party or coalition. Volunteer groups, operating independently from party structures and directly under candidates’ control, provide an alternative mechanism for voter mobilization.