Promote inclusive and open approaches

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 134 views

UKEN TOA's Identity Politics in the 2017 Regional Head Election in Central Aceh Regency: A Study on the Influence of Identity in Political Contestation

Introduction

The 2017 Regional Head Election in Central Aceh Regency was a significant event that showcased the complex dynamics of identity politics in the region. The election saw the emergence of a unique political alliance between the UKEN and Toa groups, which ultimately led to the victory of the Shabela-Firdaus pair. This study aims to explore the influence of the UKEN-TOA identity in the 2017 elections in Central Aceh, and to examine the role of identity in shaping the political landscape of the region.

Background

Central Aceh Regency is a region with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The region has been shaped by the interactions of various ethnic and religious groups, which has resulted in a complex identity landscape. The UKEN and Toa groups are two of the dominant identities in the region, each with their own distinct culture, history, and politics. The UKEN group is known for its pragmatic and modernist approach, while the Toa group is characterized by its traditional and loyal nature.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative approach with descriptive methods to examine the influence of the UKEN-TOA identity in the 2017 elections in Central Aceh. The study collected data through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including politicians, community leaders, and ordinary citizens. The data was then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach to identify the key themes and patterns that emerged from the data.

Findings

The study found that the identity of the UKEN-TOA played a significant role in the 2017 elections in Central Aceh. The political collaboration between the Shabela-Firdaus pair, who represented the UKEN and Toa groups respectively, became a key factor in their victory. The study identified two political habitus that marked the spread of the influence of the identity of the UKEN-TOA:

*** Toa's Divisive Political Habitus: ** This habitus is characterized by a pragmatic, traditionalist, and loyal nature. The Toa group's emphasis on tradition and loyalty has resulted in a strong sense of identity and solidarity among its members. However, this habitus has also been associated with a divisive and exclusionary approach, which has led to conflicts and polarization in the region.

*** UKEN's Realist and Modernist Political Habitus: ** This habitus is marked by a realist and modernist approach, which emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and progress. The UKEN group's emphasis on modernity and progress has resulted in a more inclusive and open approach, which has helped to build bridges between different communities in the region.

Discussion

The study provides a deeper understanding of the complexity of identity politics in Central Aceh. The findings suggest that identity is still a strong political instrument in the region, shaped by regional history, culture, and politics. However, the study also highlights the double-edged nature of identity politics, which can both strengthen a sense of solidarity and usefulness, and cause polarization, conflict, and hamper progress.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the identity of the UKEN-TOA played a significant role in the 2017 elections in Central Aceh. The political collaboration between the Shabela-Firdaus pair became a key factor in their victory, and the study identified two political habitus that marked the spread of the influence of the identity of the UKEN-TOA. The study highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of identity and using it as a tool to build unity and progress, rather than as a tool to divide society.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made:

Promote inclusive and open approaches: The UKEN group's emphasis on modernity and progress has resulted in a more inclusive and open approach, which has helped to build bridges between different communities in the region. This approach should be promoted and encouraged in the region.
Address the divisive nature of the Toa group's habitus: The Toa group's emphasis on tradition and loyalty has resulted in a strong sense of identity and solidarity among its members. However, this habitus has also been associated with a divisive and exclusionary approach, which has led to conflicts and polarization in the region. Efforts should be made to address this divisive nature and promote a more inclusive approach.
Foster a sense of unity and progress: The study highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of identity and using it as a tool to build unity and progress, rather than as a tool to divide society. Efforts should be made to foster a sense of unity and progress in the region, and to promote a more inclusive and open approach to politics.

Limitations

The study has several limitations, including:

Limited scope: The study focused on the 2017 Regional Head Election in Central Aceh Regency, and did not examine the broader context of identity politics in the region.
Limited data: The study relied on in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, which may not have provided a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of identity politics in the region.
Limited generalizability: The study's findings may not be generalizable to other regions or contexts, and may be specific to the unique cultural and historical context of Central Aceh Regency.

Future Research Directions

The study highlights several areas for future research, including:

Examining the broader context of identity politics in Central Aceh Regency: The study focused on the 2017 Regional Head Election, but future research could examine the broader context of identity politics in the region.
Investigating the role of other identities in the region: The study focused on the UKEN and Toa groups, but future research could investigate the role of other identities in the region.
Examining the impact of identity politics on social cohesion: The study highlighted the double-edged nature of identity politics, but future research could examine the impact of identity politics on social cohesion in the region.
Q&A: Understanding UKEN TOA's Identity Politics in the 2017 Regional Head Election in Central Aceh Regency

Q: What is the significance of the UKEN TOA's identity politics in the 2017 Regional Head Election in Central Aceh Regency?

A: The UKEN TOA's identity politics played a significant role in the 2017 Regional Head Election in Central Aceh Regency, with the Shabela-Firdaus pair's victory being attributed to their ability to harness the power of identity politics. The study highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of identity politics in the region and its impact on the election outcome.

Q: What are the key findings of the study on UKEN TOA's identity politics?

A: The study identified two political habitus that marked the spread of the influence of the identity of the UKEN-TOA: Toa's divisive political habitus and UKEN's realist and modernist political habitus. The study also found that the identity of the UKEN-TOA played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the region.

Q: What is the significance of the Toa's divisive political habitus?

A: The Toa's divisive political habitus is characterized by a pragmatic, traditionalist, and loyal nature. This habitus has resulted in a strong sense of identity and solidarity among Toa group members, but has also been associated with a divisive and exclusionary approach, leading to conflicts and polarization in the region.

Q: What is the significance of the UKEN's realist and modernist political habitus?

A: The UKEN's realist and modernist political habitus is marked by a realist and modernist approach, emphasizing the importance of pragmatism and progress. This habitus has resulted in a more inclusive and open approach, helping to build bridges between different communities in the region.

Q: How does the study contribute to our understanding of identity politics in Central Aceh Regency?

A: The study provides a deeper understanding of the complexity of identity politics in Central Aceh Regency, highlighting the double-edged nature of identity politics. The study suggests that identity politics can both strengthen a sense of solidarity and usefulness, and cause polarization, conflict, and hamper progress.

Q: What are the implications of the study for policymakers and practitioners in Central Aceh Regency?

A: The study highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of identity politics in the region and using it as a tool to build unity and progress, rather than as a tool to divide society. Policymakers and practitioners should promote inclusive and open approaches, address the divisive nature of the Toa group's habitus, and foster a sense of unity and progress in the region.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a limited scope, limited data, and limited generalizability. The study focused on the 2017 Regional Head Election in Central Aceh Regency, and did not examine the broader context of identity politics in the region.

Q: What are the future research directions suggested by the study?

A: The study highlights several areas for future research, including examining the broader context of identity politics in Central Aceh Regency, investigating the role of other identities in the region, and examining the impact of identity politics on social cohesion.

Q: What are the practical implications of the study for the people of Central Aceh Regency?

A: The study highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of identity politics in the region and using it as a tool to build unity and progress, rather than as a tool to divide society. The people of Central Aceh Regency should be aware of the complex dynamics of identity politics and work towards promoting inclusive and open approaches, addressing the divisive nature of the Toa group's habitus, and fostering a sense of unity and progress in the region.