Peran Organisasi Harungguan Purba Simalungun Indonesia (HPSI) dalam Memberikan Pendidikan Politik Etnis Simalungun di Kota Pematangsiantar pada Pemilihan Umum Tahun 2024

Abstract

The political education of the Simalungun community in Pematangsiantar City has been low, characterised by the lack of involvement in the local democratic process. Harungguan Purba Simalungun Indonesia (HPSI) emerged as an organisation that seeks to transform the political awareness of ethnic Simalungun through political education and socialisation. This research aims to examine the role of HPSI in providing political education to the Simalungun community in Pematangsiantar City. The research used a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews. The results showed that HPSI succeeded in transforming the political participation of the Simalungun community through a series of initiatives, such as public discussions, political socialisation, and meetings with political figures. The organisation does not simply provide information, but creates a dialogical space that allows the community to understand the mechanisms of politics and their rights as citizens. The research concludes that HPSI plays a strategic role in educating and empowering the Simalungun community, shifting the paradigm of participation from apathy to active engagement in the local democratic process.