ORANG KUAT DIBALIK KEMENANGAN EISTI’ANAH PADA PILKADA 2020 DI KABUPATEN DEMAK

Abstract

The dynamics of local politics in Indonesia are often influenced by the presence of local strongmen informal actors such as businessmen, landowners, or traditional leaders who possess significant power and reputation. These figures can influence formal elites and undermine state capacity through informal networks of power. In the context of the 2020 regional election (Pilkada) in Demak Regency, the victory of Eisti’anah who was relatively new to politics is particularly interesting to examine, as it is suspected that a local strongman played a key role in her candidacy and eventual success. This study aims to analyze how the figure of a local strongman operated to support Eisti’anah’s victory in the 2020 Demak Pilkada, with a focus on informal power dynamics, social control, and patron-client practices using Joel S. Migdal’s local strongman theory. The research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, involving purposively selected informants. The findings of this study indicate that Eisti’anah’s candidacy and eventual victory in the 2020 Demak regional election cannot be separated from the significant role of her father, Noer Halim, who is recognized as a local strongman. His financial power was a key factor in securing the recommendation from the PDIP for Eisti’anah, despite her being a newcomer in the political arena. In addition to serving as the main financial backer, Noer Halim also funded the campaign needs and leveraged his extensive social and political networks to boost Eisti’anah’s electability. In this context, the combination of substantial capital and well established networks proved to be the decisive elements behind Eisti’anah’s success in the 2020 Demak regional election.