Political Education for Students, Growing a Critical Generation with Integrity

Cirebon, Controversy news, Com. – The Cirebon City Government through the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) is again holding Political and Democracy Education activities for students and the community in Cirebon City, Thursday (13/11/2025). This event, which was attended by hundreds of student representatives from SMA, SMK, MA and equivalent, aims to increase understanding and active participation of citizens, especially first-time voters, in a healthy and democratic political life.

Not only that, this Political and Democracy Education activity is part of the Cirebon City Government’s efforts to build a quality democratic culture, with the younger generation as the vanguard. With a good understanding of politics, it is hoped that a society that is critical, responsible and able to maintain unity in diversity will be created.

Deputy Mayor of Cirebon, Siti Farida Rosmawati, accompanied by the Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare (Aspemkesra), Sutikno, who was present to open this activity, expressed his appreciation for the initiative of the Cirebon City Kesbangpol Agency which has taken this strategic step. He emphasized the importance of political education from an early age, both for students and the general public.

“Participants in this educational environment are future leaders and agents of change. Understanding politics from an early age means not only being an intelligent and rational voter, but also being a leader with integrity,” he said.

The Deputy Mayor also emphasized the role of the community in monitoring the running of government. He believes that active participation in politics is not only during elections or Pilkada.

“This is about overseeing the running of the government, providing constructive input, and ensuring that government policies are truly in favor of the public interest. Let’s uphold ethics and unity, and make differences a strength, not an excuse for division,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Cirebon City Kesbangpol Agency, Buntoro Tirto, said that this activity was designed not only as political education, but also as a means of coaching for novice voters.

“We hope that students will not just be political objects, but will become subjects who play an active role in maintaining the honesty and transparency of democracy. Our aim is, among other things, to increase novice voters’ understanding of democratic values, encourage their active participation in election monitoring, foster critical awareness, and form young people who care about democracy, both in school and society,” he explained.

He added that this activity also aims to provide comprehensive insight into the democratic system and the election process, so that novice voters can make decisions rationally, responsibly and according to their conscience.

“Hopefully the students who take part in this activity can become pioneers of polite, peaceful and ethical democracy in their respective environments,” he concluded.

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