Strategies of Religious Leaders in Increasing Community Participation in the Sumenep Regency Regional Head Election (Case Study of Raas District)

This research aims to (1) examine the strategy of religious leaders in increasing the participation of the Raas sub-district people in the regional head election of Sumenep Regency, (2) investigate the obstacles of religious leaders in Raas sub-district when implementing their strategies, and (3) analyze solutions in overcoming obstacles faced by religious leaders in implementing the strategy to increase the participation of the Raas sub-district community in the regional head election of Sumenep Regency. This research employed a case study with a qualitative approach. This research was conducted in Raas sub-district, Sumenep Regency, Madura. Subjects were determined through a purposive method, consisting of (1) religious leaders in Alasmalang Village, (2) religious leaders in Berakas Village, (3) religious leaders in Jungkat Village, (4) religious leaders in Kropoh Village, and (5) religious leaders in Ketupat Village. Data were taken from secondary and primary data sources. Data collection techniques were carried out through (1) observations, (2) interviews, and (3) documentation. Data collection techniques include (1) data collection, (2) data reduction, (3) data presentation, and (4) conclusion drawing. The results of this research indicate that (1) three types of strategies used by religious leaders in Raas District in increasing the participation of the Raas District community in the Sumenep district head election include sensitivity strategies, offensive strategies, and defensive strategies, (2) obstacles of Raas District religious leaders in carrying out the three strategies are the lack of awareness and education level of the Raas District people, and (3) solutions to smoothen the implementation of religious leaders’ strategy in Raas District in increasing the participation of the Raas sub-district community in the regional head election of Sumenep Regency include improving education, economy, and awareness of Raas subdistrict community.