Konflik Masyarakat Terhadap Terbentuknya Politik Identitas Marga Dan Keterpilihan Kandidat Minoritas pada Pemilihan Kepala Desa Lolowau Tahun 2019

Abstract

This study examines community conflict arising from the practice of clan-based identity politics and the election of a minority candidate in the 2019 Village Head Election in Lolowau. Identity politics rooted in kinship has long dominated the village’s political dynamics, allowing the majority clan to hold leadership for decades. The victory of a candidate from the minority clan triggered social tension, disappointment, and rejection among segments of the community who felt their political dominance had been displaced. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through in-depth interviews with community leaders, village officials, and residents from various clans. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman model and supported by three main theoretical frameworks: Identity Politics Theory, Relative Deprivation Theory, and Minority Influence Theory. The findings show that clan-based identity politics played a central role in intensifying social polarization during the election. The majority group experienced relative deprivation after losing a leadership position they perceived as a traditional right. Meanwhile, the minority’s victory reflects a shift in political orientation toward more rational, consistent, and inclusive decision-making. The resulting conflict was not merely a struggle for power, but also part of a broader social transformation toward a more democratic and equitable local political structure.