Building Beginner Voter's Interest in Political Participation in Indonesia's Election

The beginner or young voters are considered to play a significant role in the Indonesia's Election. With the competition between candidates running tight, the beginner or young voters can determine the outcome of the election. The age of young voters here is categorized in the range of 17 years to 21 years. These young voters are a connected group of voters so they can be assumed to be critical and unique. Young or beginner voters are eagerly awaiting fresh ideas and programs from candidate pairs related to government. But from the writer's observation that the existence of this beginner voters are still neglected, whereas their existence should be a very promising source of vote in an election. This paper aims to analyze the extent to which beginner voter's interest in political activities in Indonesia. According to Maran (2007) that the main factors that encourage people to participate in politics are: a). Political stimulants, b) Personal characteristics, c) Social characteristics, d) Situation or political environment, e) Political education. The study concludes that there are four issues that young voters are concerned about. Namely, the ease of obtaining alternative jobs that are promised, ease of access to education, ease of access to transportation (mobility), and eradication of corruption.