- 29/09/2023
- Category: Press Release
CfDS Official YouTube Channel (23/09/25) – In the 2024 General Election (Pemilu), campaign activities, as permitted by law, could be conducted within educational institutions. Recently, a decision regarding the feasibility of campaigning within educational institutions was issued by the Constitutional Court (MK). This decision was also reviewed by election organizers. On Tuesday (09/25), Center for Digital Society (CfDS) UGM assessed whether this policy was the right step towards political education for young voters through Desus #7, “Kampanye di Kampus: Langkah Tepat Edukasi Politik Pemilih Muda?”. The discussion featured Fadli Ramadhanil (Program Manager of Perludem) and Alfredo Putrawidjoyo (CfDS Researcher), moderated by Zakiah Fadhila (CfDS Researcher). Desus #7 can be revisited at this video
According to Fadli, in the context of regulations, political campaigns within educational institutions are a crucial topic. The Election Law allows campaigns under specific conditions, with the permission of campus administrators. Currently, there are more certain limitations, such as campaigns only being allowed on campus and during weekends. The aim is to maintain the safety and orderliness of the learning environment. Campus administrators need to be cautious in granting permission, allowing only for positive and educational campaign methods. Quoting Fadli, “This allows campaigns on campus to serve as a platform for political education, sparking debates of ideas and critical thinking.”
Fadli emphasized the neutrality in granting campaign permits on campuses. “The political preferences of campus leaders should not influence permit policies. This space should be used as a means of political education for students and academics,” he asserted. According to Fadli, the Election Commission (KPU) has a responsibility to ensure that campus campaigns proceed positively and fairly. Campus institutions should provide equal opportunities for all election participants to engage in campaigns.
Furthermore, Fadli stressed that the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) and the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud) should be involved in ensuring compliance with rules and equal opportunities in campaigns within educational institutions. “All of this is aimed at increasing the participation of young voters and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process,” Fadli added.
Supporting Fadli’s ideas, Alfredo agreed that universities play a crucial role in facilitating balanced and informative political discussions for students. Alfredo emphasized the importance of supporting programs that encourage political contestation on campuses. “University stakeholders should actively encourage campuses to provide a space for election participants to debate ideas based on substance, not just personality,” he said.
Not forgetting the need for strong involvement and guidance from individuals who care about political education, Alfredo cited panel discussions like “Bicara Gagasan 3 Bacapres” as a positive step. However, improvements are needed in question management and a focus on more directed discussions.
Engaging young voters within the university environment in electoral politics, Alfredo highlighted the issues of cynicism and skepticism often prevalent among young voters. However, within the campus environment, the hope is that with effective management, young voters can have better access to hear the ideas of election contestants.
It is also important to create two-way dialogue channels that can enhance the participation of young voters. “Collaboration with larger channels and the application of the principles of checks and balances within universities are key steps in increasing the participation of young voters in the formulation of ideas, visions, and political concepts,” Alfredo added.
In conclusion, Alfredo explained that providing a fair landscape for all election participants is essential to maintain the integrity of the election. Campuses can also play a role in shifting political discussions from social media to in-person discussions on campus, helping to translate the political ideas of election participants to the wider public.
Author: Allysa Putri Rendry
