Kinerja Lembaga Kesatuan Bangsa dan Politik (KESBANGPOL) dalam Meningkatkan Partisipasi Politik Pemula di Kota Medan

Abstract

Young people's political participation in Medan City remains relatively low, despite their significant numbers on the Permanent Voter List. This low participation is a significant concern, especially since the younger generation is the backbone of future democracy. In this context, the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) plays a strategic role in providing effective and relevant political education. However, the effectiveness of Kesbangpol's outreach activities remains questionable, particularly in terms of delivery, content, and engagement with the characteristics of the younger generation. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the performance of Kesbangpol in Medan City in increasing young people's political participation by highlighting aspects of effectiveness, efficiency, service quality, and the relevance of the programs implemented. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach, with the Kesbangpol Agency in Medan City as the research location. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants included Kesbangpol officials, first-time voters, and academics. The analysis was conducted based on organizational performance indicators according to Van Thiel (2014), namely effectiveness, efficiency, service quality, and relevance. The data analysis technique used the Miles and Huberman model, with the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing/verification. The research results indicate that the Kesbangpol (National Unity and Politics)'s performance in increasing young voters' political participation is suboptimal. Although outreach programs have been implemented regularly and reached a number of schools and universities, the approach used remains normative, one-way, and less interactive. In terms of effectiveness and relevance, activities have not fully addressed the needs and characteristics of young voters. Therefore, political socialization for beginners requires innovation in political outreach methods to be more adaptive and contextual, so that it can substantially increase political awareness and participation of beginners.