Universitas Gadjah Mada, through the Election Corner of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), successfully conducted monitoring of the simultaneous Regional Elections (Pilkada) in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).
This activity, in collaboration with the Indonesian Democracy Network (JaDI) DIY, aimed to enhance transparency and accountability in local democratic processes.
As part of the election task force, 31 students from various Fisipol UGM departments were involved as monitoring teams, each assigned to a polling station (TPS).
These teams were deployed across three villages: Maguwoharjo, Condongcatur, and Caturtunggal, all located in the Depok District, Sleman Regency.
Fisipol UGM Dean Dr. Wawan Mas’udi revealed that as part of the preparation, JaDI DIY and Election Corner Fisipol UGM conducted a two-day training session for the monitoring teams.
The training covered topics such as election rules and regulations, monitoring procedures at polling stations, and strategies for maintaining neutrality and professionalism.
“This activity also provides great benefits for Fisipol UGM students as they directly experience the dynamics of election implementation in the field,” said Dr. Mas’udi.
He added that the students’ experiences not only enrich their knowledge and practical skills but can also be converted into academic credits through the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program implemented by the university.
According to Dr. Mas’udi, involving students makes them not just witnesses to the democratic process but also contributors to strengthening community-based election monitoring capacity.
“This collaboration reflects the commitment of Fisipol UGM and JaDI DIY to supporting credible and integrity-driven elections,” he said.
Dr. Mas’udi hoped the monitoring activity would deepen students’ understanding of electoral processes.
He also believed that the activity would foster critical thinking and a sense of responsibility toward democracy in Indonesia. As known, the nationwide Pilkada held on Nov. 27 took place simultaneously across 37 provinces, 415 regencies, and 93 cities.
While DIY did not participate in gubernatorial elections, it still held elections for regents, vice-regents, mayors, and deputy mayors.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Photo: Election Corner Fisipol UGM
Post-editor: Afif