Indonesian Family Communication: The Role of Parents in Political Education

Young people tend to have low political awareness and participation. Studies conducted in developed countries show that the family plays a crucial role in shaping political awareness, attitudes, and perspectives at an early age. What about Indonesian family? Indonesian families are characterized by close bonds and togetherness, but they are not easily open in communicating their feelings. It may influence how they communicate politics. This paper explains the communication pattern of the family in educating politics. The research subjects were three (3) families who working in various sectors and living in Yogyakarta. Data was collected through focus group discussions, using phenomenology research method. This study found that political understanding is limited to issues related to the election of government leaders. Politics is also not the main message in family communication. Family communication patterns in political education tend to be linear, and the father has central role. Political education is not explicitly conducted through verbal communication but is more often carried out through role modelling. This study recommends that families actively seek out, process, and interpret political information together. In addition, the results of the research can be used by all elements in the political education ecosystem to appropriately utilize the family as an important part in building awareness and political participation among young people.