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Village institutions play an important role in supporting participatory and sustainable rural development. The Village Law No. 6 of 2014 recognizes village autonomy and emphasizes the importance of community participation through Village Community Institutions (Lembaga Kemasyarakatan Desa/LKD). However, the implementation of these institutions in practice has not always functioned effectively. This study aims to analyze the role of village community institutions in supporting village development and to identify the factors that influence their effectiveness in Oematamboli Village, Lobalain District, Rote Ndao Regency. This research employs an empirical legal research method with a qualitative approach. Data were obtained through interviews and field observations involving village government officials, community institution administrators, and community leaders, while secondary data were obtained from documents and relevant regulations. The results indicate that the functions of LKD, including the Community Empowerment Institution (LPM), Neighborhood Associations (RT), and Community Associations (RW), have not been implemented optimally in supporting village development. This condition is reflected in the limited participation of LKD in development planning, weak absorption of community aspirations, and low community participation in development activities. Several factors influencing this condition include limited human resource capacity, inadequate infrastructure, low community participation, and limited development funding. Therefore, strengthening institutional capacity, improving coordination, and increasing community participation are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of village development.

The implementation of local democracy in Indonesia faces challenges when the electoral and procedural mechanisms regulated in modern village administration are not fully in line with the socio-cultural traditions of indigenous communities. Many villages still strongly uphold the values, norms, and authority of traditional institutions that have historically regulated communal life, including in terms of leadership legitimacy. Tension between formal democracy and customary values arises when the village political process is perceived as not reflecting the cultural identity of the community. This situation creates a need to understand how the integration of customary institutions can strengthen the legitimacy of village leaders in the local democratic system. This study uses a literature review method with a content analysis approach because the study focuses on the concept of the role of customary institutions in strengthening local democracy and the legitimacy of village leadership. This method allows researchers to explore theories and compare previous findings to form a systematic understanding. The research data comes from 19 secondary sources in the form of scientific books and journal articles published between 2016 and 2025 that are relevant to the themes of customs, village governance, community participation, and local leadership. The search was conducted using the Publish or Perish application with purposive sampling techniques to select sources directly related to the main research issue. This study concludes that the integration of traditional institutions into local democracy produces a model of village leadership that is legally strong and culturally rooted. This integration provides a basis for strengthening local democracy based on cultural wisdom, thereby supporting village development.

This study investigates collaborative governance in road infrastructure repair in Pekanbaru City, Riau Province, driven by the urgent need to address the high number of damaged roads and the limitations of local government capabilities. Utilizing a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, data were gathered from interviews with five stakeholders, field observations, and supporting documents. The study applies collaborative governance theory by Emerson and Nabatchi to analyze road repair efforts in Pekanbaru, highlighting effective collaborative dynamics. Key findings reveal the establishment of a Coordination Team, role clarity, trust, and commitment among stakeholders as factors of success. Essential contributing elements include shared cooperation needs, consequential incentives, leadership support, and sufficient resources. However, challenges such as a volatile political climate, unequal information distribution, and power imbalances pose barriers to collaboration. Overall, the study concludes that collaborative governance in Pekanbaru's road infrastructure enhancement has yielded positive outcomes but calls for improvements in transparency, communication strategies, and the establishment of an integrated information system for effective progress monitoring. Additionally, independent oversight mechanisms are recommended to sustain equitable role distribution and responsibilities among all parties involved.

This study analyzes the implementation of cultural preservation policies in Lebak Regency in the context of the Seren Taun tradition as part of efforts to maintain local wisdom and sustainable development. The approach used is qualitative with a case study method, through interviews, observations, and documentation studies of local governments, traditional leaders, and the Kasepuhan Citorek community. Data analysis was carried out using the Miles and Huberman model, including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that the implementation of cultural preservation policies in Lebak has been regulated through Regent Regulation Number 435 of 2022 concerning Regional Cultural Promotion, which emphasizes the importance of indigenous peoples' participation. The implementation of this policy is analyzed using Edwards III's theory, which includes communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. The Seren Taun tradition has proven to play an important role in strengthening cultural identity, fostering social solidarity, maintaining food security, and teaching ecological awareness. However, challenges such as budget constraints, low cultural documentation, and shifting values of the younger generation remain major obstacles. This research emphasizes that synergy between the government, customary institutions, and communities is the key to the success of sustainable and inclusive cultural preservation in Lebak Regency.

This study stems from a classic question in the study of political hadith regarding leadership, specifically the hadith "The Imams are from Quraysh," which is often understood textually as requiring leaders to be from the Quraysh tribe. This kind of understanding often stops at the normative and historical level, without considering the socio-political context of modern society, which is fundamentally different from the early Islamic era. As a result, a gap emerged between the moral message of the hadith and the reality of the leadership system in democratic countries like Indonesia. This research aims to reanalyse the meaning of hadiths about Quraysh and non-Quraysh leadership, and to trace their relevance to the concept of state leadership in the Indonesian constitutional system, placing Islamic political theory and modern leadership theory on an equal footing (theory = theory). This research employs a qualitative approach based on library research, with the primary sources being political hadiths and classical references such as al-Ahkam al-Sulthaniyyah by al-Mawardi, supplemented by contemporary literature on the modern Indonesian government system. The analysis was conducted using comparative methods and content analysis to explore the commonalities and differences between the concept of Imamah in Islam and leadership in modern democratic systems. The research findings indicate that the hadith about Quraysh leadership cannot be understood rigidly as a limitation of lineage, but rather as an ethical guideline emphasising the principles of justice, trust, responsibility, and public interest. The ethical values in the hadith align with the basic principles of the presidential system in Indonesia, such as public accountability, limitation of power, and popular sovereignty, as regulated in the 1945 Constitution. Despite challenges such as corruption, the politicisation of religion, and weak leadership morality, the values of the hadith remain relevant if translated into public norms and modern governance practices. This research confirms that leadership in Islam and Indonesian democracy can complement each other, with Islam providing a moral and spiritual foundation, while democracy offers the legal and political structure to realise it.

Demonstrations demanding the dissolution of the House of Representatives by 2025 highlight a crisis of public trust and serve as a key moment in Indonesia's political landscape. These protests have not only symbolic significance but also lead to elite repositioning, the temporary dismissal of several members, and the cessation of policy that increased benefits. This study examines how the crisis has prompted political institutional reconstruction and the role of civil society in influencing change. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, including literature studies, analysis of academic literature, official documents, and media reports. The findings indicate that actions by the House of Representatives, such as the rotation of Commission III leadership, member deactivation, and rejection of benefit increases, were primarily reactive to public pressure. The discussion reveals that while these actions reduce crisis escalation, they are cosmetic and do not address structural issues like legislative accountability and budget transparency. In conclusion, the 2025 protests provide an opportunity for civil society to engage politically outside elections, but the institutional changes made are short-term. Fundamental reform can only occur if civil movements remain consistent and if political parties and the government commit to reform.

For the general public, Indonesia’s five-year electoral cycle is often perceived merely as a procedural voting event, overlooking the substance and quality of how voters select presidential or regional leaders. Following the 2024 General Election, the challenges of democracy have shifted from technical management to the prevention of polarization, money politics, digital disinformation, identity politics, and echo chambers. This article analyzes the urgency of implementing sustainable voter education during the inter-election period, using the General Election Commission (KPU) of Balikpapan City as a case study. The study focuses on KPU Balikpapan’s strategies to transform pragmatic voters, who are susceptible to manipulation, into informed participants, while also addressing the vulnerabilities of first-time voters ahead of the 2029 Election to increase participation rates. The analysis indicates that political education during the non-election period is a critical moment to build the cognitive foundation of voters without compromising their independent choice, making the role of KPU Balikpapan essential in maintaining democratic integrity in the city.

This study aims to analyze the role and optimization strategies of Pecalang Segara in monitoring fishing activities that contribute to coral reef ecosystem degradation in the Traditional Village of Pemuteran, North Bali. Pecalang Segara is a customary security institution that holds social legitimacy and customary authority in maintaining order within coastal areas. This research applies an empirical legal approach using a qualitative descriptive method. Data were collected through field observations, interviews with customary leaders and coastal communities, and a literature review of environmental laws and related regulations. The findings indicate that Pecalang Segara plays a strategic role in supervising fishing activities based on local wisdom, particularly in preventing destructive fishing practices that damage coral reefs. However, the effectiveness of this role remains limited due to insufficient technical capacity, low environmental legal awareness, and weak integration between customary law and formal legal systems. The study highlights the importance of strengthening Pecalang Segara through environmental education, regulatory-based monitoring training, and institutional coordination with local government authorities. The integration of customary law and national environmental law is expected to establish a sustainable community-based marine monitoring model capable of effectively protecting coral reef ecosystems and supporting environmental governance in coastal areas.

This study examines the implementation of the Manak Salah tradition in Padang Bulia Customary Village from the perspectives of legal certainty and human rights protection. Manak Salah is a customary practice associated with the birth of opposite-sex twins, which in Balinese Hindu cosmology is considered a sacred event that may disrupt the balance between the sekala and niskala realms, thereby requiring purification rituals. Although the contemporary practice of this tradition has become more humane and no longer involves social exclusion, its regulation remains unwritten and has not been formally codified in the village’s Awig-awig (customary law). This condition creates the risk of multiple interpretations, legal uncertainty, and insufficient protection of the rights of children and affected families. This research employs an empirical juridical method with a qualitative approach, using interviews with customary leaders, field observations, and document analysis of statutory regulations and customary legal sources. The findings reveal that the absence of written norms causes the implementation of Manak Salah to rely heavily on the discretion of customary authorities, leading to potential inconsistency and normative vulnerability. This study emphasizes the urgency of codifying the Manak Salah tradition into the Awig-awig as a form of customary law reform aimed at ensuring legal certainty, strengthening institutional accountability within customary villages, and harmonizing customary law with Bali Provincial Regulation No. 4 of 2019 and fundamental human rights principles.

This study aims to analyze the supervisory strategy of the Panwascam (Central Election Supervisory Agency) of Sinjai Borong District in handling election violations in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections in Sinjai Regency. The study focuses on two main aspects, namely preventive strategies and repressive strategies. The research method uses a qualitative approach with case studies, through in-depth interviews, observation, documentation, and interactive data analysis. The results show that the Panwascam's preventive strategies include socialization of election regulations, political education, and strengthening coordination with village officials and community leaders. This strategy has been proven to increase regulatory understanding among lower-level election organizers and public political awareness, especially first-time voters. Meanwhile, the repressive strategy is implemented through violation handling mechanisms, preparing legal recommendations, and summoning perpetrators and witnesses. Based on field findings, the Panwascam successfully handled one case of violation of ASN neutrality that was recommended to the Regency Bawaslu. This study concludes that the supervision of the Sinjai Borong Panwascam is relatively effective, although it still faces limited resources, low public legal literacy, and strong local political patronage. The results of this study provide a conceptual contribution to strengthening the community-based electoral supervision model, which integrates regulatory, educational, and collaborative aspects. They also serve as practical recommendations for improving the quality of electoral democracy at the local level.

The purpose of this study is to determine how the social behavior of the Margoagung Village Community, especially Ngino Hamlet, in preserving local wisdom inherited from the ancestors of Mbah Bregas, especially in building community harmony. This field research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method. This research was conducted by taking a case study in Ngino Hamlet, Margoagung Village, Seyegan Sub-district, Sleman Regency from June to July 2025. The informants of this study were the leaders, committees, traditional figures and all parties involved and witnessed directly the Merti activities of Margoagung Village. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis was carried out through four stages, namely: data documentation, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions/verification. The study findings show that the entire series of Merti activities of Mbah Bregas Village, Margoagung Village build community harmony through participation, cooperation and mutual cooperation without distinguishing religion, ethnicity, race, social strata and profession.

This study examines the concept of women's leadership from an Islamic and Catholic perspective and how religious values ​​influence the acceptance and legitimacy of women's leadership in the public sphere. Using a qualitative approach using a desk study method, this study analyzes religious texts, scientific literature, and case studies of the leadership of two Southeast Asian women: Megawati Soekarnoputri in Indonesia and Corazon Aquino in the Philippines. The results show that both Islam and Catholicism have complex histories and interpretations of women's roles in leadership. While conservative and patriarchal readings exist within both traditions, there is also interpretive space that allows women to emerge as leaders. The leadership of Megawati and Aquino demonstrates that women are capable of leading with distinctive styles rooted in values ​​of spirituality, morality, and service. Both demonstrate a non-confrontational yet effective leadership approach, which simultaneously opens up space for reinterpreting women's roles in religion and politics. Thus, women's leadership is not a deviation from religious teachings, but rather part of the socio-religious dynamic that demands inclusivity and equality.

This study examines the concept of women's leadership from an Islamic and Catholic perspective and how religious values ​​influence the acceptance and legitimacy of women's leadership in the public sphere. Using a qualitative approach using a desk study method, this study analyzes religious texts, scientific literature, and case studies of the leadership of two Southeast Asian women: Megawati Soekarnoputri in Indonesia and Corazon Aquino in the Philippines. The results show that both Islam and Catholicism have complex histories and interpretations of women's roles in leadership. While conservative and patriarchal readings exist within both traditions, there is also interpretive space that allows women to emerge as leaders. The leadership of Megawati and Aquino demonstrates that women are capable of leading with distinctive styles rooted in values ​​of spirituality, morality, and service. Both demonstrate a non-confrontational yet effective leadership approach, which simultaneously opens up space for reinterpreting women's roles in religion and politics. Thus, women's leadership is not a deviation from religious teachings, but rather part of the socio-religious dynamic that demands inclusivity and equality.

This study aims to analyze the Samsat (Village Unit) communication strategy in improving taxpayer compliance with Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) in Pandeglang Regency. The study employed a qualitative approach, with data collection techniques including in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation studies. Informants were selected purposively, including internal Samsat personnel (heads of technical implementation units, socialization officers, social media administrators, Mobile Samsat coordinators, and the Regional Revenue Agency) and the public (compliant taxpayers, delinquent taxpayers, and community leaders). Data analysis was conducted using an interactive model through reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions through source triangulation. The results indicate that communication strategies through direct outreach, social media, Mobile Samsat services, and the Tax Amnesty Program have proven effective in increasing taxpayer participation and compliance. The amnesty program, in particular, is effective in attracting delinquent taxpayers and has an impact on increasing regional revenue. This study concludes that an appropriate, consistent, and community-based communication strategy plays a crucial role in optimizing PKB revenue. These findings can serve as a reference for formulating more innovative and sustainable communication strategies to increase Regional Original Income (PAD).

This study aims to determine the role of public relations in the socialization of the functions and duties of the high state institution, DPD RI, and to identify the obstacles faced by public relations in this process. This research also examines the use of media and facilities for socializing the tagline "From the Regions for Indonesia" on the 16th anniversary of the DPD RI. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method, the findings show that public relations plays six key roles: 1) Communicator, bridging two-way communication between the government and the community; 2) Facilitator, absorbing community aspirations and acting as a liaison with policymakers; 3) Disseminator, disseminating information on government policies and activities to both internal and external audiences; 4) Catalyst, influencing public opinion to align with government policies; 5) Counselor, Advisor, and Interpreter, providing advice, translating government policies, and building public trust; and 6) Prescriber, serving as a strategic advisor to leaders in decision-making.

This study aims to identify and analyze the leadership style of the Cilampunghilir Village Head in implementing village governance. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. Informants were selected purposively, including the village head, village secretary, village officials, hamlet heads, and relevant community leaders. Data analysis was conducted using an interactive model that included data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the village head's leadership style tends to be democratic and participatory. The village head emphasizes collective decision-making by prioritizing consensus through deliberation and encouraging citizen involvement in every step of governance. In decision-making, the village head strives to involve the wider community so that policy outcomes are well-received. In terms of motivation, the village head actively provides encouragement, rewards, and builds reciprocal cooperation with village officials and residents. He recognizes the importance of appreciation and trust in order to build a cooperative work environment. Furthermore, in communication, the village head is known for being open, accessible, and willing to listen to the aspirations of villagers. In terms of controlling subordinates, the village head provides clear direction, delegates tasks according to competence, and enforces discipline to ensure the smooth implementation of village programs. This indicates a leadership style that balances authority with empowerment. However, the study also identified several weaknesses, including a lack of representation of marginalized groups, low frequency of outreach activities, and unequal access to information. Therefore, it is recommended that deliberation forums be strengthened with a more inclusive approach, diversified outreach methods through the use of digital channels, and increased transparency be implemented to optimize village governance.

This research is entitled "Socialization of the General Election Commission in Increasing Voter Participation in the 2024 Regent and Deputy Regent Election of Ciamis Regency (Case Study in Ciamis District)". The focus of this research is to determine how the implementation of socialization carried out by the General Election Commission (KPU) of Ciamis Regency in an effort to increase public participation in the 2024 Regent and Deputy Regent Election, especially in the Ciamis District area. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews with related parties, direct observation of socialization activities, and collection of supporting documentation. The data obtained are analyzed qualitatively through the process of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that the Ciamis Regency KPU carried out socialization by referring to the Theory of Three Elements of Socialization proposed by Haryanto (2018) in the book Political Socialization: An Initial Understanding. The three elements include: Socialization Agents, namely parties who play a role in conveying information, such as KPU officers, District Election Committees (PPK), and community leaders, Socialization Materials, including information regarding election stages, voting procedures, the importance of voting rights, and the role of the community in maintaining democracy, Socialization Methods, which are carried out through face-to-face meetings, leaflet distribution, banner installation, social media, and community-based activities. Although socialization activities have been carried out in a planned manner and involved various media, research results indicate that their implementation has not been optimal. Some obstacles found include limited reach to all levels of society, minimal participation in socialization activities, and a lack of innovation in information delivery methods. In conclusion, the socialization carried out by the Ciamis Regency KPU for the 2024 Regent and Deputy Regent Election has been running but needs to be increased in intensity, creativity, and equal distribution of targets so that voter participation can be maximized.

This study aims to examine the strategic role of the Cieurih Community Health Center in increasing public awareness of healthy lifestyles, particularly in the Cipaku Sub-district. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, and documentation of program activities. The collected data were analyzed using three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions with verification to ensure validity. The analysis focuses on three main dimensions of the Health Center’s role: (1) Interpersonal Role, which involves direct interaction with the community to build trust, encourage participation, and foster behavioral change; (2) Informational Role, which encompasses the dissemination of accurate health information, educational campaigns, and correction of misinformation; and (3) Decisional Role, which relates to planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs in response to local needs.The findings reveal that the Cieurih Community Health Center has made significant contributions to raising awareness and promoting healthy living practices through these roles. Initiatives such as health counseling, mobile clinic services, and collaborative activities with community leaders have shown positive influence. However, the study also identifies persistent challenges, including low levels of community participation, insufficient financial and human resources, and the strong influence of traditional cultural practices and misinformation that hinder optimal outcomes. To address these obstacles, adaptive strategies are necessary. Recommendations include the development of personalized approaches tailored to the socio-cultural context, the use of innovative communication methods such as social media and visual storytelling, and the strengthening of cross-sectoral collaboration with educational institutions, religious leaders, and local government agencies. These measures are expected to enhance community engagement, improve the accuracy and reach of health information, and sustain the long-term impact of health promotion programs.

This study aims to uncover, analyze, and document the cultural values embodied in the paca or belis tradition in Manggarai community weddings in Golo Wangkung Village, Congkar District, East Manggarai Regency. The belis tradition is understood as an important element in wedding customs that symbolizes the groom's family's respect for the bride's family for their services in raising and educating their daughter until she is ready to start a household. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods, utilizing data collection techniques through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, the bridal couple, and local residents, as well as documentation of the traditional procession. The results show that belis not only contains economic value through the provision of material or livestock, but is also full of social, cultural, and spiritual meaning. The main values identified include respect for parents and ancestors, the responsibility of the groom's family for the continuity of family relationships, strengthening social ties between two extended families, and a symbol of the legitimacy of marriage according to Manggarai customs. The belis tradition also functions as a mechanism to maintain harmonious relationships between families and strengthen social networks within the community. Furthermore, this tradition plays a strategic role in maintaining local cultural identity amidst modernization and changing social values. However, challenges arise when the economic value of belis experiences inflation or a shift in meaning, potentially triggering financial burdens and conflict. Therefore, preserving the belis tradition requires adjustments to its values and implementation mechanisms to maintain its relevance, without losing the essence of respect and togetherness that are at the heart of Manggarai culture. This research makes an important contribution to the documentation and preservation of cultural heritage, and serves as a reference for local governments, traditional leaders, and the community in maintaining the sustainability of the paca or belis tradition.

This study aims to examine the implementation of the selapanan tradition among Javanese postpartum women in Limau Manis Village, and to understand the meaning and community perceptions of this practice in the context of modern life. The selapanan tradition is part of local wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation and has important value in postpartum maternal care. This study uses a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach, which allows researchers to understand cultural practices in depth through direct interaction with the community. Data collection techniques include participant observation, in-depth interviews with mothers who practice the tradition, community leaders, and traditional birth attendants, as well as documentation and field notes. The results show that selapanan is still preserved and practiced by the people of Limau Manis Village, although it has undergone several forms of adaptation to modern developments and modern medical guidelines. In its implementation, this tradition uses various natural ingredients such as parem (traditional body scrub), pilis (forehead concoction to refresh the eyes and mind), bengkungan (cloth to wrap the stomach), gerita (a kind of stagen or body binder), and the consumption of herbal medicine as part of physical care and body recovery. In addition to its physical aspects, selapanan also has a psychological dimension, providing emotional comfort and social support to postpartum mothers, thereby helping to prevent psychological disorders such as baby blues syndrome. This tradition serves not only as a form of traditional healthcare but also as a symbol of social solidarity and respect for local cultural values. Amidst the tide of modernization, preserving selapanan is crucial as a cultural identity that remains relevant. This study concludes that despite adjustments to medical developments, the selapanan tradition continues to play a significant role in maintaining maternal well-being and strengthening Javanese cultural values in the modern era.