Public Opinion in Central Jakarta Ahead of the 2024 General Election: A Robert J. Schreiter Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the opinions of Central Jakarta residents ahead of Indonesia's 2024 general election. It uses a qualitative descriptive approach within a post-positivist paradigm and applies Robert J. Schreiter's view of analysis as reading texts by placing signs, interactions, and messages in a dynamic relationship. Data were collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and a literature review, then assessed through source triangulation. The findings show that residents evaluated political parties and candidates through perceived performance, proximity to citizens, responsiveness to public aspirations, integrity, transparency, and commitment to public welfare. Interviewees also criticized unfulfilled promises, group-oriented interests, and one-way political communication. Their opinions should be understood as expectations expressed in 2021 rather than as verified predictions of the 2024 election result. The study concludes that public trust is shaped by the consistency between political messages, observable performance, and dialogic engagement with citizens.