Pekalongan (01/08) –Elections are fundamentally a platform for citizens to express their voices and rights for their future and regional development. Elections involve the participation of the nation’s future generations, particularly young people aged 17, to directly engage in the democratic process. This is due to the significant role that young generations, referred to as first-time voters, play in shaping the nation’s direction. Unfortunately, in Indonesia, the participation of first-time voters has generally declined over time, including in rural areas. Banjarsari Village, which has around 100 first-time voters within its overall population, exhibits a low level of participation in general elections. Information gathered during surveys indicates that first-time voters often participate in elections merely as a trend and lack education, information, political awareness, and understanding of elections. This lack stems from limited and incomplete access to comprehensive election resources, resulting in a restricted comprehension of candidates, policies, and susceptibility to manipulation or misinformation. To address this, Angelina Paqita Gabriel, a student from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, majoring in Government Studies, initiated the technical guidance program “#Temanpemilih Mula Siap Berpartisipasi dalam Pesta Demokrasi” as a practical application of the knowledge gained during her studies. The program aims to address these issues and empower first-time voters in Banjarsari Village.

The program was conducted on August 1, 2023, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Masjid Dukuh Kejamas, with participation from 8 participants aged 17. The program encountered challenges due to low participation, as many participants were working in other cities or attending religious schools for further education. Nevertheless, the event proceeded both engagingly and critically. It commenced with discussions and attendance checks, followed by a PowerPoint presentation covering the definition of elections, various types of elections, election-related regulations, the 6 principles of elections, eligibility criteria for participation in accordance with prevailing rules, and the benefits of elections. Furthermore, participants received technical guidance on how to become intelligent voters by examining candidates’ track records, including their achievements and any criminal records. It was emphasized that understanding the candidates’ vision and mission is crucial for advancing the community, along with paying attention to official candidate debates broadcasted on television and YouTube channels. In addition to pre-voting preparations, the KKN UNDIP students provided guidance on the different types of ballot papers, how to mark them correctly, and how to ensure the validity of the vote, including guidelines such as not letting the vote slip out of the candidate’s box.

Upon being ready to vote, the procedures for casting a vote were explained, starting from arriving at the polling station, the requirements like presenting a copy of their ID card, to the process of marking the ballot paper, including the dipping of the finger in ink. A video tutorial was also provided for participants to check their voter registration status through the website cekdptonline.kpu.go.id The event concluded with refreshments and a 10-minute discussion session, followed by a documentation segment. 

The outcome of this program was an increased understanding of Indonesian elections among the participants and a heightened interest in genuine election participation. The program initiated a transformative experience that not only enriched participants’ understanding but also empowered them to be informed, confident, and responsible participants in Indonesia’s democratic process. The hope is that in the upcoming 2024 elections, participants will engage fully and intelligently exercise their votes, determining who will lead their future and contribute to their region’s development as a result of the guidance they received. Additionally, a leaflet (accessible via the link bit.ly/PemilihMulaBanjarsari) was distributed to equip participants with the means to sustainably remember, invite, and educate others, thus increasing the involvement of first-time voters who are #antigolputclub and understand the significance of every #suaraberharga.