Patronage-Clientelism Practices of the Lauje Community of West Lombok Mountains in Tinombo District in the 2024 Legislative Elections

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the practice of Patron-clientalism that occurs in the Lauje community in the West Lombok Mountains, Tinombo District, in the 2024 Legislative Election. This phenomenon is interesting to study because of the strong social dependence of the community on local elites and the lack of political education that encourages the formation of Patron-client relationships in the electoral political process. This research analysis uses Edward Aspinall's theory of patronage and clientelism which emphasizes the role of political brokerage, social capital and political participation in mobilizing electoral support. The research uses qualitative methods with a case study approach. The research was carried out in the West Lombok Mountains, Tinombo District, involving seven key informants selected purposively. Data was collected through observation, in-depth interviews and documentation. The research results show that the practice of Patron-clientalism takes place through an asymmetric relationship between Patrons, namely political elites or legislative candidates, and clients, namely the Lauje community, which is realized in the exchange of political support for material assistance in the form of money, goods or promises of development. Findings also show that legislative candidates utilize traditional social networks, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and local elites through the role of political brokers to mobilize community votes. The resilience of the patron-client relationship is strengthened by social ties, emotional closeness, and the hope of obtaining economic benefits and infrastructure development. This research contributes to explaining how the practice of Patron-clientalism persists in local democracy and shows that the existence of political brokerage is an important factor in shaping people's political behavior at the local level.