Voters in Kendari Blend Performance, Personal Ties in Choosing Leaders Under Regional Autonomy
A 2026 study by Darmin Tuwu of Halu Oleo University in Kendari, Indonesia, reveals that voters in Kendari City are changing how they choose political leaders—but not in a simple or uniform way. Published in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences, the research shows that during the 2025–2030 local election period, voters increasingly consider candidates’ performance while still valuing personal relationships and practical benefits. The findings matter because they highlight how democracy is evolving at the local level in Indonesia’s decentralized political system.
Background: Democracy Meets Local Realities
Indonesia’s regional autonomy reforms were designed to bring government closer to the people and strengthen accountability through local elections. In theory, voters would evaluate leaders based on their track record and policy outcomes.
However, real-world conditions often complicate this model. In many regions, including Kendari—an urban center in Southeast Sulawesi—social networks, economic pressures, and long-standing political practices continue to shape voter behavior.
This study provides new insight into how voters navigate these overlapping influences, offering a clearer picture of how democracy functions beyond formal institutions.
How the Study Was Conducted
Darmin Tuwu used a qualitative case study approach focused on Kendari City. The research was carried out over six months and involved:
- 30 selected participants, including voters, election officials, government representatives, civil society actors, and political party members
- Data collection methods:Open-ended surveysIn-depth interviews, Focus group discussions (FGDs), Document analysis (including election reports and campaign materials)
This approach allowed the researcher to capture detailed perspectives and cross-check findings across multiple sources.
Key Findings: A Hybrid Voter Mindset
The study found that voter behavior in Kendari is evolving—but not shifting entirely toward rational, performance-based decision-making. Instead, voters combine several considerations at once.
1. Performance Matters More Than Before, Many voters now pay closer attention to:
- Public service delivery
- Infrastructure development
- Government responsiveness
- Employment and economic programs
Visible results—such as improved roads or flood control—are often used as benchmarks for leadership quality.
2. Personal Connections Still Play a Major Role, Despite growing attention to performance, social factors remain influential:
- Familiarity with candidates
- Community ties and local networks
- Face-to-face interactions
Candidates perceived as “close to the people” often gain trust, even if their policy achievements are limited.
3. Transactional Politics Is Changing, Not Disappearing, The research shows a shift in how voters perceive material incentives:
- Vote buying is increasingly criticized
- Community assistance (e.g., donations or social aid) is often accepted
Voters distinguish between coercive practices and what they see as legitimate generosity. This reflects what the study describes as an adaptation of clientelism rather than its decline.
4. Rising Public Protest and Political Awareness, A notable development is the growing willingness of voters to challenge candidates:
- Public questioning during campaign events
- Criticism on social media
- Lower support for candidates seen as elitist or unresponsive
Civil society organizations play a key role by promoting voter education and encouraging issue-based evaluation.
5. Unequal Participation in Political Criticism, Not all voters engage equally:
- Middle-class and educated citizens are more likely to protest openly
- Economically vulnerable groups tend to remain cautious due to dependence on local networks
This highlights persistent inequalities in democratic participation.
Real-World Implications
The findings have important implications for policymakers, election organizers, and civil society groups:
- Voter education programs should address real-world voting behavior, including social and economic influences
- Anti–vote-buying efforts need to consider why voters accept certain forms of material support
- Political campaigns must balance policy performance with grassroots engagement
- Democracy-building strategies should focus on both institutional reform and social conditions
The study suggests that improving democracy requires understanding how voters actually think and act—not just how they are expected to behave in theory.
Expert Insight
Darmin Tuwu of Halu Oleo University explains that voter behavior in Kendari reflects a complex and adaptive process: "Voters are not simply rational evaluators or passive participants. They combine performance assessment, social relationships, and practical considerations when making political choices."
This insight challenges simplified views of voters and highlights the need for more nuanced approaches to democratic reform.
Author Profile
Darmin Tuwu, S.Sos., M.Si. is a researcher in social welfare at Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia. His work focuses on local democracy, voter behavior, regional autonomy, and social policy in Indonesia, particularly in Eastern regions.
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