Semarang – Bambang Hermanto, S.Pd., M.IP., a lecturer in the Political Science Program at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), has conducted research on the Empty Ballot Movement in Brebes Regency. The study seeks to understand how the movement reflects public responses to local democratic dynamics, particularly during the 2024 Brebes Regency Regional Head Election.
The research was conducted over approximately two months, beginning in May 2026. As part of the study, Bambang Hermanto conducted field research in Brebes Regency and carried out in-depth interviews with individuals involved in and knowledgeable about the Empty Ballot Movement.
The informants included Maryoko, also known as Jarot, the Chairperson of the Empty Ballot Movement (GERTAK); community leader Kaji Likhun; and Cahrudin, a former member of the Brebes Regency Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) who served for three terms.
The study also involved Suntoro and Edi, both former village heads, as well as Zakaria and Kholik, who served as volunteers in the Empty Ballot Movement. In addition to conducting interviews, the researcher examined the movement’s digital footprint and activities on Facebook to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the movement developed, communicated its narratives, and mobilized public support.
The findings indicate that the Empty Ballot Movement in Brebes cannot be understood merely as a form of protest voting. More significantly, the movement represents a form of moral protest by members of the community in response to local democratic conditions.
One of the prominent narratives developed within the movement was, “The Empty Ballot Is Not a Crime, but a Constitutional Right.” This narrative reflects the movement’s effort to emphasize that voting for the empty ballot is a legitimate political choice and a lawful expression of citizens’ political rights within a democratic system.
According to Bambang Hermanto, the study was conducted to explore how democracy can be understood in a more substantive and meaningful way at the local level.
“This research seeks to examine a more meaningful form of democracy at the local level. Democracy is not merely about holding elections; it must also provide healthy political competition and meaningful choices for citizens,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maryoko, also known as Jarot, Chairperson of the Empty Ballot Movement, explained that the movement emerged from a shared sense of public concern. According to him, the movement was driven by conscience and was not created through coercion.
“This movement emerged from a shared concern and was driven by conscience. It was not a movement imposed on anyone. We did not want democracy in Brebes to be damaged by the presence of a single candidate who had secured the support of nearly all political parties, leaving others unable to participate in the 2024 Brebes Regional Head Election,” Jarot said.
Through this research, FISIP UNNES continues to contribute to the development of academic studies that address real issues within society. The study of the Empty Ballot Movement in Brebes is expected to provide insights into the importance of maintaining open political competition, public participation, and citizens’ freedom to make meaningful political choices.
The phenomenon of the Empty Ballot Movement in Brebes also demonstrates that democracy is not solely about election results. More importantly, democracy depends on the extent to which citizens have opportunities to participate, express their aspirations, and contribute to the development of a more meaningful democratic process.
