Power, Conflict and Democracy Journal

Pre-Election Dynamics in Yogyakarta

Sherlly Rossa — 2025-11-01

This study examines electoral conflict dynamics in Indonesia's Yogyakarta Special Region, which is identified as the second-most vulnerable region nationally, with a score of 63.67% on the 2024 Election Vulnerability Index (Indeks Kerawanan Pemilu/IKP). A significant driver of this vulnerability is the recurrent conflict among political party-affiliated groups or grassroots organisations (often referred to as "underbows"), which tends to escalate during election periods. This research aims to analyse the historical context and decompose the core factors contributing to these conflicts. It also seeks to formulate a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder roadmap for conflict mitigation ahead of the 2024 general elections. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the study is theoretically grounded in Paul Wehr's (2019) conflict anatomy framework and the patron–client political-economic perspectives developed by Gerry van Klinken & Ward Berenschot (2018). Our findings reveal five key conflict triggers: historical legacies, personal rivalries, "black campaigns" by political parties, ambiguous security strategies, and entrenched political-economic interests. This research contributes to scientific knowledge by applying and extending conflict anatomy and patron-client theories to the specific context of Indonesian sub-national electoral violence, providing a nuanced understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Based on these insights, we propose practical resolutions, including enhancing civic political education, strengthening law enforcement, and strategically mapping vulnerable areas. These evidence-based recommendations are critical for fostering a more peaceful, participatory, and democratic electoral environment in Yogyakarta.

Do Santri Still Obey the Kiai?

Ayu Amanda A’isyatul Khumairo’ — 2025-11-14

Amid narratives of Generation Z’s heightened political awareness through internet access, this study examines a specific subset: santri in Islamic boarding schools—Muslim groups with limited access to the internet to engage in online political discourse. They are frequently characterised as merely a traditional group, and prior studies have largely attributed their political choices to the authority of the kiai (pesantren leaders). To revisit this assumption, the study was conducted in two contrasting Islamic boarding school traditions: traditional and modern. It investigates five potential influences on santri voting behaviour in Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election: kiai, teachers (ustaz/ustazah), peer groups, political promises, and evaluations of the Joko Widodo–Ma’ruf Amin government. This study, employing mixed methods, reveals that, contrary to previous studies, kiai exert no significant influence. Instead, teachers shape political preferences through classroom discussions, which also enable students to critically evaluate the Jokowi–Ma’ruf government. These findings enhance the diversity within the field of voting behaviour studies in religion communities with limited internet access while challenging assumptions about Generation Z’s short-term political outlook. The findings also extend voting behavior theory in the context of religious communities with restricted internet access.

A Critical Analysis of Collaborative Approaches

Fitriana Arum Dita Rukmana — 2025-11-21

This article analyses the critical collaboration between the civil community and the government. Forum Komunitas Sungai Sleman (FKSS), in association with the Environmental Agency of Sleman regency, endeavors to resolve the environmental issue of river water pollution that occurs around Sleman regency. This collaboration between was analysed by looking at the critical engagement of FKSS and employing social movement theory. This theory is relevant because it explains how collective community actions can influence policy and governance processes. River water pollution is a persistent environmental issue in many developing regions, including Indonesia, where local community involvement in governance is still limited. This article employs a case study research method and follows qualitative research principles. Data for this study were collected through observation, interviews, and a review with relevant literature. The interviews were conducted with six participants. The research concludes that FKSS functions not as a governmental instrument for issue resolution but as a cooperative partner in governance. FKSS also granted specific authority to engage in the decision-making process, collaborate as a governmental partner, and critically evaluate governmental policies. The findings provide insight for policymakers seeking to strengthen community-based environmental governance.