BALINESE HINDU RELIGIO-POLITIC AND REGIONAL HEAD ELECTIONS IN GIANYAR DISTRICT

Abstract

The election for the regional head in Gianyar regency is somewhat unique because a puri (royal/palace) figure always appears running for regent. The Gianyar community itself still adheres to a very strong puri-centric ideology. The relationship between the puri and the community is mainly bound in the corridors of religion and custom. This study aims to look at the relationship between the various roles of Puri Agung Ubud and the electability of the royal figures who run in regional elections. The research method uses an interpretive paradigm with phenomenological studies conducted in two villages, namely Ubud village and Peliatan village. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation with informants. This research shows that in the context of the Gianyar regional election, the figure of Puri Agung Ubud uses a Balinese Hindu political approach rooted in the religious, social (traditional), and economic values of a Pakraman (traditional) village community. Through religious, customary, and economic investment, the puri figure took advantage of his/her emotional intimacy with the village community to gain political support in the Gianyar regional election.