ABSTRAK

Berliana Salsabila, 2110413320003, 2025: “Persepsi Generasi Muda terhadap Pemilihan Kepala Daerah: Studi Kasus antara Pasangan Calon dan Kotak Kosong di Kecamatan Simpang Empat, Kabupaten Tanah Bumbu Tahun 2024”.

Penelitian ini telah mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis persepsi generasi muda terhadap Pilkada 2024 di Kecamatan Simpang Empat Kabupaten Tanah Bumbu yang hanya diikuti oleh satu pasangan calon melawan kotak kosong. Penelitian ini telah mengungkap alasan generasi muda dalam memilih antara pasangan calon dan kotak kosong sebagai bentuk partisipasi politik.

Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif deskriptif. Data dikumpulkan melalui penyebaran kuesioner kepada 150 responden usia 17–30 tahun yang dipilih menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Penelitian ini menganalisis faktor internal dan eksternal yang mempengaruhi persepsi serta model pengambilan keputusan generasi muda dalam menentukan pilihan politiknya.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar generasi muda di Kecamatan Simpang Empat memiliki persepsi yang cukup kritis terhadap Pilkada dengan pasangan calon tunggal. Sebanyak 78,9% responden menyatakan bahwa faktor internal, seperti pengetahuan dan sikap politik, mempengaruhi pandangan mereka. Sementara itu, 71,6% menyatakan faktor eksternal seperti informasi media dan lingkungan juga memiliki pengaruh besar. Pemilihan berdasarkan program kerja (rational choice) mendapat persetujuan 80,2%, berdasarkan kesamaan partai (confirmatory decision making) 81,2%, dan berdasarkan isu tertentu (fast and frugal decision making) sebesar 82%. Namun, sebanyak 52,3% responden juga mempertimbangkan faktor insting atau kebiasaan dalam memilih (bounded rationality and intuitive decision making).

Berdasarkan hasil tersebut, dapat disimpulkan bahwa generasi muda memiliki persepsi yang beragam dan dipengaruhi oleh banyak faktor dalam menentukan pilihan antara pasangan calon dan kotak kosong. Penelitian ini memberikan saran kepada pemerintah dan KPU untuk meningkatkan literasi politik serta menyusun strategi partisipatif agar generasi muda menjadi pemilih aktif dan cerdas dalam proses demokrasi.

Kata Kunci: Persepsi, Generasi Muda, Pilkada, Kotak Kosong, Pemilihan Kepala Daerah

ABSTRACT

Berliana Salsabila, 2110413320003, 2025: “Young generation's perception of regional head elections: a case study between candidate pairs and empty boxes in Simpang Empat sub-district, Tanah Bumbu district in 2024”.

This study has identified and analyzed the perceptions of the younger generation towards the 2024 Pilkada in Simpang Empat District, Tanah Bumbu Regency, which was only contested by one candidate pair against an empty box. This study has revealed the reasons for the younger generation in choosing between a candidate pair and an empty box as a form of political participation.

The method used in this study is a descriptive quantitative method. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires to 150 respondents aged 17–30 years who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. This study analyzes internal and external factors that influence the perceptions and decision-making models of the younger generation in determining their political choices.

The results of the study show that most of the younger generation in Simpang Empat District have quite critical perceptions of the Pilkada with a single candidate pair. As many as 78.9% of respondents stated that internal factors, such as political knowledge and attitudes, influence their views. Meanwhile, 71.6% stated that external factors such as media information and the environment also have a major influence. The selection based on work programs (rational choice) received 80.2% approval, based on party similarity (confirmatory decision making) 81.2%, and based on certain issues (fast and frugal decision making) 82%. However, as many as 52.3% of respondents also considered instinct or habit factors in choosing (bounded rationality and intuitive decision making).

Based on these results, it can be concluded that the younger generation has diverse perceptions and is influenced by many factors in determining the choice between candidate pairs and empty boxes. This study provides suggestions to the government and the KPU to improve political literacy and develop participatory strategies so that the younger generation becomes active and intelligent voters in the democratic process.

Keywords: Perception, Young Generation, Pilkada, Empty Box, Regional Head Elections