Students Visit Lhokseumawe City Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) and Question Voter Participation

Public Administration students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Malikussaleh University visited the Lhokseumawe City Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) on Friday, June 20, 2025. They questioned voter participation rates in both the general election and the 2024 regional elections.

The students were received by Yuli Asbar, Coordinator of the Violation Handling and Dispute Resolution Division of the Lhokseumawe City Election Supervisory Agency, and several staff members.

Rangga Arike, a Public Administration student, questioned the voter participation rates in both the general election and the 2024 regional elections. "What has the Lhokseumawe City Election Supervisory Agency done to increase voter participation?" Rangga asked.

Meanwhile, Khalika Balqis questioned the Lhokseumawe City Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu)'s strategy for increasing participatory oversight, particularly among students who have become influencers and contribute to the success of Bawaslu's programs.

Responding to several student questions, Yuli Asbar explained that the Lhokseumawe City Bawaslu's oversight duties are only for the 2024 General Election. However, for the 2024 Regional Elections, in accordance with Law 11/2006 concerning Aceh Governance, an Ad-hoc Election Supervisory Committee (Panwalih Ad-hoc) will oversee the elections.

"In carrying out its oversight duties, Bawaslu requires public participation, including students. We have a Participatory Oversight Cadre School that encourages students to actively participate in monitoring elections and regional elections for a better democratic climate," Yuli explained.

Other students who participated in the audience with the Lhokseumawe City Bawaslu were Qesya Maulidia Lubis, Zuhratun Naila, Nur Zulia Suhada, and Humairah Aufa. The visit was part of the assignment for the Communication and Policy Advocacy course supervised by Dr. Nur Hafni.[]