Leadership and Cultural Changes: Village Head Elections in Shaping Traditional Values, Indonesia’s Case Study

Abstract

This study assesses the implementation of Indonesian Law No. 6 of 2014 and Government Regulation No. 72 of 2005 in the context of village head elections, with a focus on the extent to which these legal frameworks facilitate democratic processes and governance at the village level. Additionally, it examines the challenges faced by rural communities in implementing policies that align with government regulations on good governance, community interests, and traditional rights. Employing a literature review and descriptive analysis, the study qualitatively measures the relevance of regulations, community participation, and changes in local values across seven case studies. Key findings reveal that the legal frameworks provide a comprehensive and inclusive structure for effective and equitable village governance. The relevance of these frameworks varies based on cultural integration, conflict resolution mechanisms, community participation, and preservation of local wisdom. Community participation in village head elections differs significantly across regions, influenced by factors such as political awareness, socioeconomic status, cultural values, and social media. The studies underscore the importance of preserving local wisdom in the electoral process to maintain cultural identity, mitigate conflicts, and secure electoral victory. These cultural changes can disrupt social structures within communities, leading to tensions and conflicts, necessitating targeted efforts to enhance political awareness, preserve local wisdom, and maintain social harmony.