HIMA Ilkom PSDKU Unpad Encourages Youth Participation in the 2024 Regional Elections Through Political Literacy
Pangandaran, November 23, 2024 – In anticipation of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections scheduled for November 27, 2024, the Student Association of Communication Science (HIMA ILKOM) PSDKU Universitas Padjadjaran held the COMPACT (Communication Impact) 2024 event at SMKN 1 Pangandaran. With the theme “Basic Political Literacy and Education for Youth in Facing the 2024 Regional Elections,” the event aimed to raise political awareness and understanding among young and first-time voters.
Attended by 34 twelfth-grade students from various study programs, the event was designed to equip the younger generation with insights into their role in democracy, enabling them to participate actively and wisely in shaping the future of their regions through the election of local leaders.
A nation that respects the services of its heroes is also one that participates actively in every election that determines its future — this quote by Ir. Soekarno served as the inspiration behind the spirit of COMPACT 2024.
Interactive and Educational Methods: The Voice of Youth Pillar
Carrying the sub-theme “Pilar Suara Muda” (The Voice of Youth Pillar) and the tagline “Smart Literacy, Quality Democracy,” COMPACT 2024 featured a series of interactive educational activities including a pre-test, ice breaking, lecture sessions, focus group discussions (FGDs), fun games, and a political debate simulation. These methods aimed to encourage participants to think critically, collaborate in teams, and build the confidence to express their opinions.
The main session on basic political literacy was delivered by Naurah Lisnarini, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., a Communication Science lecturer especially in Political Communication at Fikom Unpad. In her session, students explored their rights and responsibilities as citizens and the significance of their voices in the local democratic system.
To recognize the enthusiasm of the participants, the committee awarded various prizes and closed the event with final remarks from the speaker and a closing by the MC.
The chairperson of COMPACT 2024 emphasized that the event represents a tangible contribution from Communication Science students at PSDKU Unpad in strengthening the capacity of youth as agents of change. “Participation in regional elections goes beyond simply showing up at the polling station—it requires understanding strategic issues that shape their future, such as education, employment, and regional development,” they said.
HIMA ILKOM hopes that COMPACT 2024 will serve as a starting point in fostering greater political awareness among first-time voters and a meaningful contribution from students in building an inclusive, participatory, and high-quality democracy. (NL)
