Democratic Values of Manjomput Nasinurat in Village Head Elections (Case Study: Sabungan Nihuta Village)

Abstract

This study discusses democratic values ​​in the tradition of manjomput nasinurat in the village head election in Sabungan Nihuta V Village. This tradition is a legacy of the ompu (elders) who use a lottery system similar to arisan to determine village head candidates, before being continued with formal elections through voting as regulated by the government. The village community remains committed to choosing candidates who are elected through manjomput nasinurat, so that this tradition is able to avoid conflict in every village head election. This study uses a qualitative approach with observation, interview, and documentation methods. Informants include traditional figures, BPD heads, village heads, former village heads, former village head candidates, the community, and sub-district officials. Data analysis was carried out using the Miles and Huberman interactive model: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that democratic values ​​as stated by Cholisin—namely deliberation, religiosity, tolerance, non-discrimination, solidarity, shared commitment, and shared interests are implemented in this tradition. Thus, manjomput nasinurat can be seen as a form of local democratic practice that is rooted in cultural wisdom and is able to maintain social harmony.