POLITICAL LITERACY AND KNOWLEDGE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST-TIME VOTERS IN THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Abstract

First-time voters constitute a strategic segment in the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election due to their significant numbers and characteristics, which are still in the process of forming political orientations. Although various studies have addressed young voter participation, studies on the construction of first-time voters' political knowledge in the context of Islamic boarding school-based education are still limited. This study aims to analyze the knowledge and information sources of first-time voters regarding the 2024 Presidential Election among students of Madrasah Aliyah (Islamic Senior High School) at Al Falah Islamic Boarding School, West Jakarta. The study used a qualitative approach with a constructivist paradigm through in-depth interviews with 20 purposively selected informants. The results showed that most informants had an adequate understanding of election procedures, the candidates' visions and missions, and the importance of political participation. Social media was the primary source of information, followed by discussions with teachers and the school environment. This knowledge contributed to a more rational voting decision-making process, although a small number of respondents still demonstrated limited understanding. These findings emphasize the importance of strengthening political literacy based on educational institutions to improve the quality of first-time voter participation in Indonesian democracy.