Ary Ramadany, Hasyimsyah Nasution

Partisipasi Generasi Muda dan Dampak Sosialnya Pada Pemilihan Bupati Tahun 2024 di Kecamatan Hutaraja Tinggi Kabupaten Padang Lawas

Introduction

Partisipasi generasi muda dan dampak sosialnya pada pemilihan bupati tahun 2024 di kecamatan hutaraja tinggi kabupaten padang lawas. Pelajari partisipasi pemuda dan dampak sosialnya dalam Pemilihan Bupati 2024 di Padang Lawas. Temukan faktor pendorong, penghambat, serta peran media sosial dan pemimpin lokal.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the level of youth participation in the 2024 Regent Election in Hutaraja Tinggi District, Padang Lawas Regency, and to identify the factors influencing their involvement in local political processes. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation gathered from young voters, community leaders, and local election organizers. Findings indicate that while youth participation is relatively high, it is uneven across villages. Greater involvement was observed in areas with better access to political information and education, as opposed to regions with limited political socialization. Interviews revealed that politically literate youth were motivated to participate by their desire for social change and regional development. In contrast, some first-time voters remained apathetic or were primarily influenced by family preferences. Social media played a significant role in enhancing political awareness among youth by disseminating information and digital campaign materials; however, it also posed risks of misinformation. Moreover, community leaders and local role models substantially influenced political behavior, particularly in rural areas. The study identified both encouraging and inhibiting factors: political awareness, social media influence, and community support fostered participation, whereas limited political education, apathy, and distrust toward the political system impeded it. The study concludes that increased access to education, information, and social support correlates with greater youth participation, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts among local governments, the election commission, educational institutions, and youth organizations to strengthen continuous political education and build trust in local democratic systems.

Review

This study provides a timely and relevant analysis of youth participation in the 2024 Regent Election within Hutaraja Tinggi District, Padang Lawas Regency. Employing a robust qualitative methodology encompassing field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation with key stakeholders, the research effectively dissects the levels and multifaceted influences on youth involvement in local political processes. A core finding indicates that while youth participation is generally high, it presents significant unevenness across villages, directly correlating with access to political information and education. The study adeptly distinguishes between politically literate youth, driven by aspirations for social change, and first-time voters who may exhibit apathy or be swayed by familial preferences, thus offering a nuanced understanding of motivations. A key strength of the research lies in its comprehensive identification of both fostering and hindering factors impacting youth engagement. It commendably highlights the pivotal role of social media in enhancing political awareness through information dissemination, while simultaneously acknowledging its inherent risks of misinformation. Furthermore, the significant influence of community leaders and local role models, particularly in rural settings, is an insightful observation that underscores the localized dynamics of political behavior. By delineating encouraging factors such as political awareness and community support against inhibiting elements like limited political education and distrust, the study presents a balanced perspective on the complexities of youth political socialization. The study concludes with practical and actionable recommendations, emphasizing that increased access to education, information, and social support are crucial for fostering greater youth participation. Its call for collaborative efforts among local governments, election commissions, educational institutions, and youth organizations to strengthen continuous political education and build trust in local democratic systems is particularly pertinent. This research makes a valuable contribution to understanding youth political behavior in an Indonesian local context, offering critical insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance democratic participation and civic engagement among the younger generation.

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