FENOMENA POLITIK UANG PADA PEMILIHAN KEPALA DESA (STUDI DI DESA BAGIK POLAK, KEC. LABUAPI, KAB. LOMBOK BARAT)

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of money politics in the village head election in Bagik Polak Village, Labuapi District, West Lombok Regency. Through a descriptive qualitative approach with observation, interview, and documentation data collection methods, the study was conducted on December 10, 2024. Based on the results of observations and interviews with community leaders with the initials NA and youth leaders with the initials PA, money politics practices were found in the form of giving cash between IDR 50.000 and IDR 100.000 per person, as well as giving basic necessities by village head candidates. The study revealed that the phenomenon of money politics not only affects the election results but also has the potential to hinder sustainable village development, because leaders elected through this practice tend to prioritize personal or group interests. The proposed handling strategies include political education involving community leaders, digital campaigns, and strict supervision by Bawaslu by involving community participation and utilizing technology. The identified impacts of money politics include the creation of injustice in the election process, declining quality of village leadership, weakening public trust in the village government, and changes in the mindset of the community who consider money politics as normal in elections, which ultimately threatens the sustainability of democracy at the village level.