The Dynamics of Local Democracy on Simultaneous Election in Semarang District

Abstract

This study aims to describe the implementation of simultaneous Pilkades (Village Headman Election) and the dynamics of local democracy in Semarang Regency 2018. The study applies a qualitative approach. Data were collected by in-depth interviews, then qualitatively analyzed. The results showed that one interesting phenomenon of the simultaneous Pilkades in Semarang Regency was the regulation on the quarantine of Headman candidates. The quarantine for the Headman candidates is unknown in the Village Law and is true agreement within the candidates so that the Pilkades runs conducive. This kind of regulation is very unique and full of local wisdom because it applies only in Semarang Regency. The dynamics of local democracy on simultaneous Headman election occurred after the enactment of the new rules about the participation of at least two candidates and a maximum of five Headman candidates. It brings out a new phenomenon, such as pseudo contestants of couples as candidates, besides their strategy to take advantages of all source of power they have especially their personal ability, wealth, nepotism network, up to money politics who participated on give colors in power struggle fighting on the village. Village head election is not only power struggle fighting, but also self-esteem, honor, and social symbols because a defeat in the Pilkades will be recorded and become a case study for social life in a village.