Daftarsbmptn.com – Public political awareness is a crucial factor in building a healthy and sustainable democracy. In response, community leader and political education activist, Suripno, held a political education program for Banjarmasin residents. The event took place at the Banjarmasin Multipurpose Building on Sunday (November 10, 2025), and was attended by hundreds of residents of various ages and social backgrounds.
In his remarks, Suripno emphasized the importance of active public participation in political life, both through elections and in oversight of public policy. “Democracy will be strong if the people are intelligent, critical, and courageous in voicing their aspirations. Political education is key to ensuring citizens understand their rights and responsibilities,” he told the participants.
Political Education Material
Suripno’s political education program covered a variety of topics, including: the rights and obligations of citizens, the election process, the importance of public participation, political ethics, and how to evaluate government programs and performance. The material was presented interactively using group discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and voting simulations, helping participants understand often complex political concepts.
One participant, Ika Rahma, a student at Lambung Mangkurat University, said she gained new insights into the importance of political participation. “Previously, I rarely paid attention to government policies. After attending this session, I better understand how my right to vote can influence regional development,” she said.
Encouraging Citizen Political Participation
Suripno emphasized that political education is not just theory, but also encourages citizens to actively participate. He cited examples of community involvement in monitoring government programs, participating in deliberation forums, and acting as informed voters in local and national elections.
“Political participation isn’t just about going to the polling station during elections, but also actively monitoring development programs and providing constructive input,” Suripno said. He believes that high participation can minimize unhealthy political practices and increase the accountability of public officials.
Building Political Awareness from an Early Age
In addition to adults, Suripno also emphasized the importance of building political awareness from an early age. He encouraged the younger generation to understand the values of democracy, the importance of voting rights, and how to contribute positively to political life.
“We need to instill a healthy political culture in young people. They are the nation’s future leaders who will determine the direction of development and public policy in the future,” he added. In a special session, students were given a mini-election simulation to understand the voting mechanism and the direct democratic process.
Collaboration with the Government and Civil Society Organizations
This political education activity was also supported by the Banjarmasin City Government and several civil society organizations. This support included the provision of facilities, educational materials, and additional speakers who discussed legal and regulatory aspects related to elections and governance.
The Mayor of Banjarmasin, H. Muhidin, appreciated Suripno’s initiative. He stated that this type of political education is crucial for developing intelligent, critical, and responsible citizens in a democracy. “We encourage more political education programs so that the people of Banjarmasin City become more active and aware of their rights and obligations,” Muhidin said.
Impact and Future Hopes
This program is expected to increase public political participation, strengthen awareness of citizens’ rights and obligations, and foster an ethical and broad-minded political culture. Suripno emphasized that this activity will not be the last. He plans to continue this program periodically, reaching more sub-districts and communities in Banjarmasin.
Furthermore, Suripno is encouraging the creation of political discussion forums at the community level. These forums aim to provide a platform for citizens to exchange ideas, express their aspirations, and provide constructive input on government policies. This will make interactions between the government and the public more transparent and accountable.
Public Response
Responses from residents have been positive. Many participants feel more confident in understanding politics and expressing their opinions. Rahmat Hidayat, a local trader, said that the political education helped him understand how government policies can impact daily life. “Now I better understand my role as a citizen and how to choose the right leader,” he said.
Participants also stated that Suripno’s interactive methods, such as group discussions and simulations, made the material easier to understand. This encourages them to be more actively involved in political developments and participate in community activities.
Conclusion
Suripno’s initiative to provide political education to Banjarmasin residents is a concrete step in building public political awareness and participation. This program not only provides knowledge about citizens’ rights and obligations but also fosters a healthy, ethical, and constructive political culture.
With the support of the government and community organizations, it is hoped that this political education program can continue and reach more residents. In the future, Banjarmasin can become an example of a city whose residents are not only economically and socially savvy, but also possess a high level of political awareness, active participation, and are able to promote more transparent and accountable development.