Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

This paper provides a critical examination of the abstention phenomenon and ideas of how to nourish active participation in politics in Indonesia. Political change in Indonesia, which began in 1998, has given a way to open politics. Political participation in democratic state is an indicator of valid implementation of the highest state power exercised by people (people sovereignty), that is embodied by their involvement in democratic event (general elections). The increasingly higher level of political participation indicates that people follow, understand, and engage in national activities. In contradiction, a low level of Indonesian political participation is reflected by abstention (golongan putih or non voting group). In defense perspective, this attitude and phenomenon will impact the development of democracy quality and become a threat of the national security in the terms of political dimension. The author discusses how political participation starts from education that should begin at a young age in the education system.