Resilient System of Kinship Politics in Baubau City

Abstract

Baubau City was the center of the Buton Sultanate, which was dominated by three ethnic groups, Koumu, Walaka, and Papara. This study aims to analyze kinship politics in Baubau City. Kinship political power comes from the support of the family community which has traditional ties, so it is oriented to perpetuate power by controlling all political resources. This study used qualitative research methods. The informants for this research consisted of community leaders, academics, and leaders of political parties in Baubau City. Techniques in collecting data in this study through interviews, documentation studies, and observation. The results of this study indicate that the Koumu and Walaka can dominate the electoral politics in Baubau City. After the fall of the New Order and the implementation of decentralization, Koumu and Walaka became important groups in the political dynamics of Baubau City, they were called 'sons of the region' who were culturally descended from the Sultanate of Buton. The cultural perception that is rooted in society strengthens the role of Koumu and Walaka as two groups that deserve to be nominated in regional head elections. Various strategies were used to strengthen the influence of Koumu and Walaka in Baubau City, they conducted internal strengthening and controlled political resources in Baubau City, then maintained cultural perceptions that strengthened their position as political rulers in Baubau City.