The relationship between student activism in islamic-based student organizations and voting decisions in the 2024 presidential election
Authors
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M Salman Alfarisi
State University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Author
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Mochamad Arif Affandi
State University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Author
Keywords:
Student Activism, , Islamic Student Organizations, Voting Behavior, 2024 Presidential ElectionAbstract
The 2024 Presidential Election in Indonesia highlights the increasing influence of young voters, particularly university students, whose political preferences are shaped not only by individual considerations but also by their involvement in student organisations. A notable phenomenon is the active participation of students in Islamic-based organisations such as HMI, PMII, IMM, and KAMMI, which intensively conduct political discussions, value internalisation, and foster ideological formation that may influence members’ political orientations. These dynamics raise important questions about how organisational activism contributes to students’ voting decisions. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between activism in Islamic-based student organisations and student voting decisions in the 2024 Presidential Election. This study employs a quantitative approach with an explanatory design based on sociological voting behaviour theory. The sample consists of 130 students who are members of the four organisations, selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires using a four-point Likert scale, measuring activism through indicators of organisational activity, frequency of participation in studies, and internalisation of values, while voting decisions were measured through candidate preferences. The results indicate a significant relationship between student activism and voting decisions, as evidenced by a chi-square significance value below 0.05. Higher levels of activism are associated with stronger political orientation and greater confidence in making political choices. The findings also reveal that internalisation of values and participation intensity have the most substantial contribution in shaping voting behaviour, with the majority of students tending to support candidates aligned with organisational values. These results imply that Islamic-based student organisations function as agents of political socialisation that shape value-based political attitudes. In a broader context, this study highlights the strategic role of student organisations in supporting the development of a more participatory, rational, and value-orientated democratic culture in Indonesia
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