Inability to follow political flow

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 94 views

Low Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities Recipient of the Family Hope Program in the 2019 Legislative Election: A District Case Study

Introduction

The 2019 Legislative Election in Indonesia was a significant event that marked a crucial step in the country's democratic process. However, despite the importance of this election, the participation of persons with disabilities, particularly those who are recipients of the Family Hope Program (PKH), was found to be alarmingly low. This study aims to examine the reasons behind this low participation and identify the factors that contribute to it.

Background

The Family Hope Program (PKH) is a government initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of low-income families. The program provides financial assistance and other forms of support to eligible families, including those with members who have disabilities. Despite the program's efforts to improve the lives of its beneficiaries, the participation of persons with disabilities in the 2019 Legislative Election was found to be disappointingly low.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative approach to examine the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH in the 2019 Legislative Election. A total of 13 persons with disabilities were selected as participants, and in-depth interviews were conducted to gather data on their experiences and perceptions regarding the election process.

Results

The results of this study showed that only 5 out of the 13 participants were qualified to vote in the 2019 Legislative Election. This low participation rate was attributed to several factors, including:

Minimal accessibility: The election organizers and families of the participants with disabilities failed to provide adequate support and accessibility to enable them to participate in the election.
Inability to register: Many participants with disabilities were not registered in the Permanent Voter List (DPT) due to their absence on the Family Card (KK).
Lack of understanding: Participants with disabilities often lacked understanding of the election process and their political rights, which made it difficult for them to participate.
Reluctance to participate: Some participants with disabilities felt that they had no influence or were not trusted by the community, which led to their reluctance to participate in the election.

Discussion

The low political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH in the 2019 Legislative Election is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. The factors that contribute to this low participation rate include:

Poverty: Weak economic conditions can hinder access to information and political education, making it difficult for persons with disabilities to understand the election system and their political rights.
Inability to follow political flow: Lack of understanding of political issues and election processes, as well as difficulties in accessing political information, can lead to apathy and distrust of the political process.
Low level of education: Limited education can make it challenging for persons with disabilities to understand information and election processes, leading to a lack of awareness of the importance of political participation.
Reluctance to participate: Some persons with disabilities may feel that they have no influence or are not trusted by the community, which can lead to their reluctance to participate in the election.
Lack of family support and election organizers: Inadequate support from families and election organizers in terms of accessibility and information can be a significant obstacle for persons with disabilities to exercise their voting rights.

Recommendations

To increase the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH, the following recommendations can be considered:

Increasing accessibility: Election organizers need to provide physical accessibility and information for persons with disabilities, including disability-friendly polling stations, campaign materials in an easily accessible format, and election officers who are trained in helping persons with disabilities.
Socialization and education: Specifically socialization and political education for persons with PKH recipients are needed to increase their understanding of the election process and their political rights.
Increasing the role of PPDP officers: PPDP Officers (Voter Data Update Officer) must be proactive in picking up the ball to the home of a PKH recipient disability to update the voter data.
Cooperation with PKH Assistant: Close cooperation between the election organizer and PKH companion is essential to ensure data on persons with disabilities PKH recipients are correctly recorded in the DPT.
Increasing the role of the community: The community needs to be encouraged to be more concerned and support the political participation of persons with disabilities.

Conclusion

The low political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH in the 2019 Legislative Election is a significant issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. By increasing accessibility, socialization, and education, and by involving the community and PPDP officers, it is possible to improve the political participation of persons with disabilities and support the realization of more inclusive and dignified elections.
Frequently Asked Questions: Low Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities Recipient of the Family Hope Program in the 2019 Legislative Election

Q: What is the Family Hope Program (PKH) and how does it relate to the study?

A: The Family Hope Program (PKH) is a government initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of low-income families. The program provides financial assistance and other forms of support to eligible families, including those with members who have disabilities. The study focuses on the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH in the 2019 Legislative Election.

Q: What were the main findings of the study?

A: The study found that only 5 out of 13 participants with disabilities were qualified to vote in the 2019 Legislative Election. The low participation rate was attributed to several factors, including minimal accessibility, inability to register, lack of understanding, and reluctance to participate.

Q: What are the main obstacles to the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH?

A: The main obstacles to the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH include:

Minimal accessibility: The election organizers and families of the participants with disabilities failed to provide adequate support and accessibility to enable them to participate in the election.
Inability to register: Many participants with disabilities were not registered in the Permanent Voter List (DPT) due to their absence on the Family Card (KK).
Lack of understanding: Participants with disabilities often lacked understanding of the election process and their political rights, which made it difficult for them to participate.
Reluctance to participate: Some participants with disabilities felt that they had no influence or were not trusted by the community, which led to their reluctance to participate in the election.

Q: What are the recommendations to increase the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH?

A: The recommendations to increase the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH include:

Increasing accessibility: Election organizers need to provide physical accessibility and information for persons with disabilities, including disability-friendly polling stations, campaign materials in an easily accessible format, and election officers who are trained in helping persons with disabilities.
Socialization and education: Specifically socialization and political education for persons with PKH recipients are needed to increase their understanding of the election process and their political rights.
Increasing the role of PPDP officers: PPDP Officers (Voter Data Update Officer) must be proactive in picking up the ball to the home of a PKH recipient disability to update the voter data.
Cooperation with PKH Assistant: Close cooperation between the election organizer and PKH companion is essential to ensure data on persons with disabilities PKH recipients are correctly recorded in the DPT.
Increasing the role of the community: The community needs to be encouraged to be more concerned and support the political participation of persons with disabilities.

Q: What are the implications of the study for the future of inclusive elections in Indonesia?

A: The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to increase the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the study, it is possible to improve the political participation of persons with disabilities and support the realization of more inclusive and dignified elections in Indonesia.

Q: What are the next steps for the study?

A: The next steps for the study include:

Disseminating the findings: The findings of the study will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders, including government officials, election organizers, and civil society organizations.
Implementing the recommendations: The recommendations outlined in the study will be implemented to increase the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH.
Evaluating the impact: The impact of the study's recommendations will be evaluated to assess their effectiveness in increasing the political participation of persons with disabilities who are recipients of the PKH.