HIMAPOL INDONESIA’s Role in Strengthening University Students’ Political Awareness during Elections in Indonesia

Abstract

University students constitute a strategic group in strengthening democratic participation, yet political apathy, misinformation, and limited political literacy remain challenges to their meaningful involvement in elections. This study examines the role of the Indonesian Political Science Students Association (HIMAPOL INDONESIA) in strengthening university students’ political awareness during elections in Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving organizational actors and relevant participants. The findings reveal three major roles of HIMAPOL INDONESIA. First, it acts as an agent of political education and literacy through seminars, webinars, educational materials, and democracy-oriented programs. Second, it facilitates critical discussion and deliberation through public forums, focus group discussions, and online platforms. Third, it serves as a catalyst for political participation by encouraging voting, election monitoring, and other electoral activities. However, these efforts face constraints related to financial resources, campus bureaucracy, student apathy, and political disinformation. The study demonstrates the importance of student organizations as non-formal political education actors in strengthening informed and participatory democratic engagement among university students.