"Election education, political education, cannot only occur during the lead-up to the election. I think in a non-stage year like this, election education processes are crucial, political education is crucial," KPU Chairman Mochammad Afifuddin said at the KPU Office in Jakarta on Monday.
Afifuddin stated that elections in Indonesia involve many stakeholders, so the KPU collaborates with many parties in their implementation.
According to him, one concrete step that will be taken is to provide election documentation from Regional Election Commissions (KPUDs) throughout Indonesia.
He stated the KPUDs have extensive documentation and notes on various aspects of elections in their regions, which will add to the National Library's collection of books on elections and political education.
"This MoU is just the first step in what we can formulate. Essentially, we believe that one of the duties of both the KPU and the National Library is to educate the nation and state by increasing electoral literacy. Electoral literacy is the KPU's responsibility, and general literacy is the responsibility of our colleagues at the National Library. So, that is our desire to enhance synergy and collaboration," he said.
Afifuddin provided an example of the importance of election education, specifically the wave of demonstrations at the end of August 2025. Several high school students were known to have participated in the demonstrations that took place at several locations.
"If we look at recent events, let's say those lively demonstrations were also attended by our friends, our 'younger siblings' who are still in high school. So, I assume that education for first-time voters is crucial. This way, what is permissible and what is not, what is considered illegal and what is not, within broader democratic education, can be quickly understood by these school students," Afifuddin said.
On the same occasion, Director of the National Library Aminudin Aziz emphasized the importance of political education for voters.
Azis believes that intelligent voters will produce leaders and representatives who have a sense of responsibility for the people's mandate they hold.
"Because, after all, we are very confident and strongly agree that only intelligent and literate voters will produce intelligent representatives who have the right responsibilities. That will be the result of the election," he noted.
He also agreed with Afifuddin's statement that election and political education cannot only be provided in the lead-up to the election, but must be delivered well in advance and continuously.
"We strongly believe that literacy education related to this general election must be carried out continuously over a long period of time, to provide prospective voters with knowledge about the responsibilities of voters (in choosing) prospective representatives and future leaders of the nation," he said.
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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan Rassat, Martha Herlinawati Simanjun
Editor: Arie Novarina
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