Role and Relationship of "Urang Pandai" in Regional Head Elections in West Sumatra, 2005-2015
Hary Efendi, Reiza D. Dienaputra, Kunto Sofianto, and Gusti Asnan
Faculty of Humanities, Andalas University
Abstract
Changes in the mechanism of regional head elections from a representative system to direct elections gave rise to the dynamics of high political leadership succession in various regions in Indonesia, especially in West Sumatra compared to the previous period. If in the old order and the new order, the regional head starting from the governor, regent and mayor are determined by the central government, so since 2005 the head of the region has been determined directly by the people. Along with the change in mechanism, the emergence of the phenomenon of urang pandai in each agenda of regional head elections in West Sumatra. This article describes the involvement and role of "lack of intelligence" in direct regional head elections (Pilkadal) simultaneously governors, regents and mayors in parts of West Sumatra. Starting from Pilkadal 2005, 2010 and 2015. This paper will also analyze the relationship "urang pandai" in Pilkadal. This issue will be explained by a multidimensional approach, especially the branch of political-anthropology. In constructing this writing, it is built through historical methods. The role of "urang pandai" in the elections in West Sumatra was confirmed through various activities. His contribution to Pilkadal can be a spiritual advisor, political advisor and successful team. This is evidenced by the practice he did. Starting from giving guidance, spiritual advice, prayer, tahlilan, even ajimat and mass. Their relationship in Pilkada is more to accumulate social capital, cultural capital, and symbolic, compared to economic capital.
Keywords: Shamans, local politic, direct election,
Topic: Local Politics and Decentralization