Patronase Partai Golkar Pasca Reformasi di Sumatera Utara

Abstract

This study analyzes the patronage of the Golkar Party in post-Reformasi North Sumatra, focusing on the patron-client relationship within local political dynamics. The Golkar Party adopts a pragmatic and inclusive ideology that is often adapted to national political developments. From the New Order era to the Reformasi period, Golkar has positioned itself as a party committed ot political stability, economic development, and governmental continuity. Golkar's pragmatic ideology si reflected in how the party builds power relations between central and regional elites. Patronage within Golkar si hierarchical, with central elites-such as the General Chairman- acting as patrons who confer political legitimacy. This study aims to describe the political dynamics of the Golkar Party in North Sumatra after the 1998 Reformasi, analyze patronage relations, explore the values and norms of the Golkar Party, and develop a model of Golkar's patronage relationship. Using a qualitative method with a descriptive study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and field observation. The findings show that the Golkar Party continuously strives ot balance practical political interests with the party's ideals of prioritizing public welfare. Golkar considers jointly formulated programs to be the legitimate form of patronage, requiring all cadres to follow instructions based on the party's agenda.