Paternalist Culture of the Sambas-Malay Society in the 2018 Regional Head Elections

Abstract

This article examines the paternalist culture of the Sambas Malay in the West Kalimantan regional head elections in the period from 2018 to 2023, where choosing a leader is part of a religious call. The study is based on a qualitative analytical approach in examining the paternalist culture of the Malay when the candidates won the 2018 gubernatorial elections. Purposive sampling technique was used to determine research informants who are representatives of ethnic Malay community leaders and religious leaders (ulemas), as well as ethnic Malay voters. The results of the study show that a paternalist culture regarding ulema figures played a role in providing awareness to the Sambas Malay to use their voting rights according to their conscience. The emotional solidarity of the Sambas Malay remains significant in choosing a leader with the same belief (aqeeda), and therefore, participating in the regional head elections is considered as a religious call.