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For the general public, Indonesia’s five-year electoral cycle is often perceived merely as a procedural voting event, overlooking the substance and quality of how voters select presidential or regional leaders. Following the 2024 General Election, the challenges of democracy have shifted from technical management to the prevention of polarization, money politics, digital disinformation, identity politics, and echo chambers. This article analyzes the urgency of implementing sustainable voter education during the inter-election period, using the General Election Commission (KPU) of Balikpapan City as a case study. The study focuses on KPU Balikpapan’s strategies to transform pragmatic voters, who are susceptible to manipulation, into informed participants, while also addressing the vulnerabilities of first-time voters ahead of the 2029 Election to increase participation rates. The analysis indicates that political education during the non-election period is a critical moment to build the cognitive foundation of voters without compromising their independent choice, making the role of KPU Balikpapan essential in maintaining democratic integrity in the city.

This study aims to explore how interpersonal communication plays a role in the process of constructing self-identity within the “Jemuah Keos” community in Surabaya. This community functions as an alternative social space inhabited by individuals with diverse creative backgrounds, such as musicians, motorcycle builders, visual artists, and subculture enthusiasts. The formation of identity in this community is not solely driven by individual expression but also shaped through social interactions that are reflective and rich in meaningful symbols. The study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study method. Data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews with nine informants, and documentation of various visual artifacts representing the community’s activities. The data analysis process follows the interactive model by Miles and Huberman, which consists of three main stages: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The theoretical framework used in this study refers to Joseph A. DeVito's concept of interpersonal communication, which includes self-disclosure, empathy, emotional support, symbolic exchange, social values, as well as reflective interaction and role negotiation in social relationships. The findings indicate that interpersonal communication is a key element in shaping and negotiating personal identity. Cultural symbols such as clothing style, vehicle modifications, visual language, and daily interaction patterns become primary means of identity expression. The "Jemuah Keos" community demonstrates openness, equality, and a critical stance against the dominance of mainstream culture. Interpersonal communication within this community also plays a role in building collective solidarity and voicing critical views on existing cultural standards. The identity formed is not only personal but also part of a larger community identity.

This study aims to improve the quality of learning at SD Negeri 060915, Medan Sunggal District, through the implementation of a participatory learning approach using Participatory Action Research (PAR). The background of the study is based on the low level of student engagement in classroom activities and the teacher’s reliance on traditional lecture methods, which hinder active student participation. This classroom action research was carried out in two cycles, each consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection stages. Data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and formative assessments. The results showed that the participatory learning approach had a positive impact on increasing student engagement, collaboration in group work, and academic performance, as indicated by an increase in the average student score from 66.4 in the first cycle to 77.2 in the second cycle. Teachers also improved their role as facilitators, and the classroom environment became more interactive and student-centered. The study concludes that the participatory approach is effective in creating an active, collaborative, and meaningful learning environment in elementary education.