KnE Social Sciences

Published date: May 16 2025

Journal Title: KnE Social Sciences

Issue title: The 4th International Conference on Rural Studies in Asia (ICORSIA 2024)

Pages: 203 - 216

DOI: 10.18502/kss.v10i10.18662

Nugraheni Arumsarinugraheni.arum@mail.unnes.ac.idCommunication Science Doctoral Program, Sebelas Maret University-Surakarta

Pawito Faculty of Social and Political Science, Sebelas Maret University-Surakarta

Andre RahmantoFaculty of Social and Political Science, Sebelas Maret University-Surakarta

Didik G. SuhartoFaculty of Social and Political Science, Sebelas Maret University-Surakarta

Political participation is a fundamental aspect of democracy, ensuring that all citizens, including persons with disabilities, can exercise their voting rights. Indonesia, through Law Number 19 of 2011 concerning Ratification of the Convention On The Rights of Persons of Disabilities, has committed to upholding these rights and preventing discrimination in political life. However, voter participation among disabled individuals remains low. In the 2020 regional election in Blora Regency, out of 959 registered voters with disabilities, only 344 exercised their right to vote, highlighting significant gaps in participation.

This study examines efforts to create more inclusive elections in Blora using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through interviews and observations, focusing on local regulations, accessibility challenges, and strategies to increase voter turnout.

The Blora General Election Commission (KPU) has implemented several strategies to promote inclusive elections: i. collecting accurate voter data, ii. improving accessibility at polling stations, and iii. forming democracy volunteer programs that include persons with disabilities as peer educators. Key challenges include low self-identification among persons with disabilities, often due to stigma or family reluctance, and a lack of accessible information. Despite these barriers, the inclusion of disabled individuals in voter outreach programs has helped build confidence and encourage greater participation. Addressing these issues through continued awareness and accessibility improvements is essential for ensuring equal political rights for all citizens.

Keywords: election, participation, disability, inclusive

[1] Budiarjo M. Dasar-Dasar Ilmu Politik (Edisi revisi). Jakarta: PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama; 2008.

[2] Dahl RA. Perihal Demokrasi: Menjelajahi Theory dan Praktek Demokrasi secara Singkat. (Alih bahasa: A.RohmanZainuddin).Jakarta:YayasanOborIndonesia;2001.

[3] Astuti D. Aksesibilitas Penyandang Disabilitas dalam Pemilu 2019 di Kabupaten Sleman. Public Inspir J Adminitrasi Publik; 2019.

[4] Rusyono S. Masih Ada Keterbatasan Akses Disabilitas Saat Pemilu. Suara Merdeka [Internet]. 2022; Available from: https://muria.suaramerdeka.com/opini/pr 073052349/masih-ada-keterbatasan-akses-disabilitas-saat-pemilu

[5] Banyaknya Desa/Kelurahan Menurut Keberadaan Penyandang Disabilitas. 2021 [Internet]. Available from: https://jateng.bps.go.id/id/statistics table/1/MjY2NSMx/banyaknya-desa-kelurahan-menurut-keberadaan-penyandang disabilitas-2021.html

[6] Surbakthi R. Memahami Ilmu Politik. Jakarta: PT Gramedia Widiarsana; 1992.

[7] Sunarto. Sistem Politik Indonesia. Yogyakarta: Magnum Pustaka Utama; 2016. 25 pp.

[8] Sastroatmodjo S. Partisipasi Politik. Semarang: IKIP Semarang Press; 1995.

[9] Vash CL. The Psychology of Disability. New York: Springer Publishing Company; 1981.

[10] Ndaumanu F. Hak Penyandang Disabilitas: Antara Tanggung Jawab dan Pelaksanaan oleh Pemerintah Daerah. J ham [Internet]. 2020;11:131–50. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341002213_Hak_ Penyandang_Disabilitas_Antara_Tanggung_Jawab_dan_Pelaksanaan_oleh_ Pemerintah_Daerah/fulltext/5ea974d145851592d6a8a63c/Hak-Penyandang Disabilitas-Antara-Tanggung-Jawab-dan-Pelaksanaan-oleh-Pemerintah-Daerah.pdf

[11] Creswell W. John. Research Design Pendekatan Kualitatif, Kuantitatif, dan. Mixed. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar; 2013. 11 pp.

[12] Sugiyono. Memahami Penelitian Kualitatif. Bandung: Alfabeta; 2017. 104 pp.

[13] Bungin B. Penelitian Kualitatif. Jakarta: Kencana Prenada Media; 2014. 264 pp.

[14] Emzir. Metode penelitian Kualitatif Analisis Data. Jakarta: Raja Grafindo Persada; 2010. 129 pp.

[15] Stephanie K. Marrus. Desain Penelitian Manajemen Strategik. Jakarta: Rajawali Press; 2002. 31 pp.