Public Perception of Kiai Involvement in the 2024 Tulungagung Regent Election, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines public perceptions of kiai involvement in the 2024 Tulungagung Deputy Regent election within the context of local political dynamics. The research aims to understand how society interprets the role of religious leaders in practical politics. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving community members familiar with the political process. The findings reveal that public perceptions are divided. On the one hand, kiai are viewed as moral authorities who can provide ethical guidance and legitimacy to political actors. On the other hand, their involvement in practical politics, particularly in controversial campaign activities and programs, has generated criticism and led to a decline in perceived moral authority among some segments of society. The analysis shows that these perceptions are socially constructed through ongoing interactions and are increasingly influenced by digital media, which accelerates the dissemination and reinterpretation of kiai’s public image. Furthermore, the study finds a shift in the nature of kiai influence, from dominant moral authority toward a more negotiated and contested position. The implications of this research suggest that the involvement of religious leaders in politics must be carefully managed to maintain public trust, as their legitimacy is no longer solely based on traditional authority but also on public perception shaped in both offline and online spaces