STRATEGI KOMISI PEMILIHAN UMUM PROVINSI JAWA TIMUR DALAM MENINGKATKAN PARTISIPASI PEMILIH BAGI PENYANDANG DISABILITAS PADA PEMILIHAN UMUM SERENTAK TAHUN 2024

This research is motivated by the low level of disabled voter participation in East Java in the simultaneous elections, which in 2019 only reached 39.13%, far below the national target of 77.5%. In fact, Law Number 8 of 2016 guarantees the political rights of people with disabilities to vote and be elected. The challenges faced include inaccessible infrastructure, lack of socialization, and policies that do not fully support their participation in all stages of the election. This study aims to explore the strategies implemented by the East Java Provincial General Election Commission (KPU) in increasing the participation of disabled voters, not only at the voting stage but also throughout the election process.
This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with KPU officials and figures from the disability community, while secondary data came from official documentation and related literature. Data analysis techniques follow the Miles and Huberman model, including data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research location focuses on East Java, with key informants from the East Java Provincial Election Commission.
The results of the study show that the East Java KPU strategy involves four main elements: strengthening regulations to ensure the political rights of people with disabilities, inclusive socialization through digital and face-to-face media, increasing accessibility at polling stations, and involving the disability community in organizing elections. This strategy has succeeded in increasing awareness and participation of the disability community, although challenges such as negative public perception and limited infrastructure still require further attention.