Semarang – The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), welcomed a visit from the Central Java General Elections Commission (KPU Central Java) to explore and strengthen cooperation in the fields of political education, democracy, and student capacity development. The meeting was held in Meeting Room 307 of the Prof. A.T. Soegito Building, FISIP UNNES.
The meeting was attended by the Vice Dean III of FISIP UNNES, the Coordinator of the Political Science Study Program, representatives from the Cooperation Unit, Internship Unit, and Public Relations Unit, as well as delegates from KPU Central Java, including the Vice Chairperson of KPU Central Java, Basmar Perianto Amron, the Head of the Voter Education and Outreach Division, and staff members from the Voter Education and Outreach Division.
The Vice Dean III of FISIP UNNES, Dr. Sos. Puji Lestari, M.Si., officially opened the meeting and expressed her appreciation for the visit from KPU Central Java. In her remarks, she welcomed the initiative to strengthen synergy between higher education institutions and election management bodies as part of efforts to develop a more inclusive and sustainable democratic education system.
“Universities play a strategic role in fostering political awareness and democratic values among the younger generation. Therefore, collaboration with KPU is an important step in strengthening students’ political literacy,” she stated.
During the meeting, KPU Central Java presented several programs that could be implemented in collaboration with FISIP UNNES. One of the primary focuses discussed was developing sustainable cooperation through student internship programs at KPU. These programs are expected to provide students with practical experience in election governance and democratic processes in Indonesia.
In addition, KPU Central Java proposed strengthening the Sustainable Voter Education Program, which aims to create a healthy democratic ecosystem and encourage meaningful political participation. The program will target first-time voters, particularly new university students, through the KPU Goes to Campus initiative, which is designed to enhance young people’s understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens in a democratic society.
As part of academic strengthening efforts, the Coordinator of the Political Science Study Program at FISIP UNNES also proposed various forms of collaboration, including the organization of studium generale lectures and the involvement of KPU practitioners in teaching activities for the courses Elections and Party Systems and Political Education, both of which are offered in the fifth semester of the Political Science Study Program.
The Vice Chairperson of KPU Central Java, Basmar Perianto Amron, emphasized that higher education institutions are strategic partners in fostering a participatory democratic culture. According to him, student involvement in various voter education programs will help cultivate a generation that not only understands democracy theoretically but is also capable of participating actively and responsibly in political life.
Through this meeting, FISIP UNNES and KPU Central Java reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in political education, human resource development, and the promotion of democratic participation among young people. The partnership is expected to make a tangible contribution to the development of informed, critical, and integrity-driven voters, ultimately supporting the advancement of a high-quality democracy in Indonesia.
