Citizen Participation in the Democratic Process in West Papua (The Study on the Waisai Community of Raja Ampat Regency)

Abstract

This study examines how citizen participation in the democratic process in West Papua Province, especially the Waisai community in Raja Ampat Regency. This research is a qualitative descriptive study using observations and interviews as data collection techniques. The results of the study indicated that the level of citizen participation was highly dependent on the process of political education provided. The role of electoral institutions was still not optimal in providing political understanding to the public. Citizen participation in democratic processes such as legislative and regional head elections was still not optimal. Thus, citizen understanding of the democratic process needs to be improved to reach awareness in building democratic values in West Papua Province.