Changes in Voters’ Perspectives in Selecting Leaders in the Era of Regional Autonomy in Kendari City

Darmin Tuwu

doi:10.55927/66wvtn37

Authors

Darmin Tuwu Social Welfare Halu Oleo University, Kendari Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/66wvtn37

Keywords:

Kendari City, Local Democracy, Local Executive Elections, Regional Autonomy, Voter Perspectives

Abstract

This study examines the transformation of voters’ perspectives in local executive elections in the era of regional autonomy, using Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi Province, as a case study during the 2025–2030 election period. The research is grounded in the context of Indonesia’s decentralization, which has reshaped local political competition and voter–candidate interactions. Employing a qualitative research design, the study integrates qualitative surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis. A total of 30 informants were purposively selected from key stakeholder groups, including voters, election management officials (KPU), local government representatives, civil society organizations, and political party actors. The findings reveal that voters’ perspectives in Kendari are undergoing a dynamic transformation rather than a linear shift toward performance-based voting. While many voters increasingly emphasize candidates’ track records, public service delivery, and responsiveness, social proximity, personal familiarity, and pragmatic considerations continue to influence electoral preferences. The study also identifies growing public protest and rejection of candidates perceived as non–pro-people, reflecting heightened democratic awareness and the role of civil society in fostering critical engagement. However, such protest remains unevenly distributed across socio-economic groups

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