Behavioral model integration in studying money politics in the 2024 election: perspectives of young Indonesian voters

Purpose This paper aims to analyze young Indonesian voters’ perceptions of money politics, particularly in the context leading up to the 2024 general election. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative approach with data collection from a Gen Z survey conducted in Surabaya City, one of Indonesia’s central cities. The analysis technique employed to test the proposed model is Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings The results show that attitudes are the dominant factor influencing the intention to engage in money politics among Gen Z voters. Unsatisfactory environmental conditions, driven by constraints and social pressures, also play a significant role. The salience of money politics behavior can change perceptions. Awareness of such practices is important for preventing their normalization among young voters. Notably, knowledge, perceived norms, and personal agency are not significant factors driving political intentions. Originality/value This study highlights the complex relationship between the dominance of attitudes, the influence of the social environment, and the prevalence of money practices on the decisions of young voters in the general election. It demonstrates that knowledge alone is insufficient to influence the intention to engage in money politics, and enhances the understanding of the factors that shape political behavior.