The implementation of the abstainer prevention model by the General Election Commission in Langkat can reduce the attention of political observers on the implementation of the general head election (Pilkada). The simultaneous implementation of general head electioninLangkat this year showed adecreasein the number of abstainers. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the shortcoming of socializing the election conductedby KPUD Langkat; (2) to create the new model of abstainer prevention to overcome the shortcoming of socializing the election; (3) to prove that the model can increase voter participation in the election. The descriptive research method with a case study approach was used in this study to prove the effectiveness of the use of the model.The results showed that the application of the abstainer prevention model carried out by KPUD Langkatwas proven to reduce the number of abstainers in the area.However, the implementation of the model collided with the electoral smart home program at KPUD Langkat. Political education by bringing in a community and religious leaders did not go perfectly.KPUD Langkat can apply the new model by integrating the election smart home program, full support of political parties and community leaders so that public participation in elections remains high.

Indonesia has many oral traditions that still live in its community. The Acehnese also have a variety of oral traditions, including those related to births. The tradition of trontanoh is one of the birth traditions that is still carried out by the people of Aceh. This study tries to explore the values of character education contained in the implementation of the tradition of trontanoh. This study applies a qualitative approach tothe ethnographic method. Data is obtained by using the method of observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that several values of character educationcanbe taken from the implementation of the tradition of trontanoh in the Acehnese community.Among the values of character education that can be explored from a tradition of trontanoh are the values of faith in God, braver, togetherness, devotion to parents, diligence, and wisdom.

In Indonesia, farmers hold the image as poor and uneducated society. The common perception of the cause of the condition is that most farmers possessed only small area, which is economically unviable, thus the profitability is low and therefore they are poor. This paper aims to explain the condition of farmers from political ecology perspective. Insight and understanding of the discussed issue is mostly gained through an extensive literature study and legal document observation. Political ecology discusses the aspects of power and economy in the human-environment relation. In political ecology, power relation and power distribution among actors determine who will enjoy the most benefit from an exploitation of a parcel of land. We argue that the condition of farmers and the low profitability of farming is, consciously or unconsciously, a result of political, institutional, and economical arrangement, which lead to the marginalization of farmers. They are supported but not empowered. The support aimed to reduce production cost and improve yield, but the farmers have very little power to access the market and control the price. In the overall rice production and trade chain, farmers received the least profit in comparison to other actors, such as rice mills and traders.