STRATEGI KOMISI PEMILIHAN UMUM KABUPATEN MALANG DALAM MENINGKATKAN PARTISIPASI PEMILIH DISABILITAS PADA PEMILU NASIONAL SERENTAK TAHUN 2024

This study examines the strategy of the General Election Commission (KPU) of Malang Regency in increasing the participation of voters with disabilities in the 2024 Simultaneous National Elections. The study is motivated by the still low level of political participation among persons with disabilities and the gap between the normative guarantees of political rights in electoral regulations and their implementation in practice. This condition indicates the need for an inclusive election strategy that not only focuses on administrative and technical aspects but also addresses the social and psychological needs of voters with disabilities in order to encourage more equitable political participation. This study aims to analyze the strategy implemented by the KPU of Malang Regency to enhance the participation of voters with disabilities and to assess the extent to which the strategy creates public value.

This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving election administrators, stakeholders from disability organizations, and voters with disabilities in Malang Regency. The research focuses on strategies for updating data on voters with disabilities, conducting voter outreach and education, providing accessibility at polling stations (TPS), and facilitating assistance for voters with disabilities. Data analysis was carried out using the public value framework to evaluate the extent to which inclusive election policies and programs generate public value for persons with disabilities.

The findings indicate that the strategies implemented by the KPU of Malang Regency succeeded in increasing the absolute number of voters with disabilities who exercised their voting rights in the 2024 elections compared to the 2019 elections. However, this increase was not accompanied by a proportional rise in the overall participation rate, and significant variations remain across districts. The study also reveals that non-technical factors, particularly emotional support and the role of companions, significantly influence the decision of voters with disabilities to participate. Therefore, enhancing the participation of voters with disabilities is determined not only by technical and administrative factors, but also by human resource capacity, the sustainability of outreach programs, and the ability of electoral policies to create sustainable public value.