Semarang, April 24, 2026 – The issue of local actors’ influence in regional political dynamics took center stage at the eligibility hearing of the Doctoral Program in Social Sciences at Universitas Diponegoro (Undip). During the hearing, Lubis presented an in-depth study on the role of local strongmen in the contestation of Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) in Sumbawa Regency.
The research presented highlighted how powerful local figures significantly shape regional political configurations, ranging from mobilizing political support and strengthening patronage networks to influencing voter behaviour in local democratic processes. The study shows that local strongmen are not merely informal actors in local politics but are also capable of determining the direction of power dynamics at the regional level.
In his presentation, Lubis explained that the phenomenon of local strongmen in Sumbawa Regency emerges through a combination of social, economic, cultural, and political networks that have been historically built. Patron-client relationships, proximity to political elites, and control over local resources are key factors that strengthen their position in the regional elections arena.
The research also examined the role of local strongmen in the regional elections in Sumbawa Regency. The presence of powerful local actors often creates a certain dominance that influences political decision-making processes within society.
This eligibility hearing garnered attention from academics and examiners, both internal and external, as it is considered to make an important contribution to the development of local political studies, regional democracy, and power relations in Indonesia. The study is deemed relevant for understanding electoral political dynamics in regions with socio-political characteristics based on informal networks and local elite power.
Author:
Agus Sugiharto
Doctoral Student, Class of 2024 (Social Media Manager, Doctor in Social Sciences Undip)