IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PEMILIHAN SANGADI SERENTAK TAHUN 2023 DI KABUPATEN BOLAANG MONGONDOW UTARA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the simultaneous Sangadi (Village Head) election policy in 2023 in Bolaang Mongondow Utara Regency, using George C. Edwards III’s theoretical framework that emphasizes four key dimensions: communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. Although the election represents a significant milestone in strengthening village-level democracy, its implementation continues to face substantial challenges, including delayed information dissemination, limited resource capacity, and the potential for horizontal conflicts—indicating a gap between formal regulations and on-the-ground realities. This qualitative study adopts a phenomenological approach, collecting data through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis involving 20 informants from diverse groups: regional government officials, election committee members, community leaders, political figures, and Sangadi candidates. Data analysis was conducted interactively through stages of reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. Findings indicate that policy implementation remains suboptimal: communication gaps persist, marked by inconsistent understanding and delays in information delivery; while financial resources are available, the capacity of village-level committees remains insufficient; the dimension of disposition reveals signs of political interference and bias, undermining neutrality; and bureaucratic structure struggles with coordination across administrative levels, resulting in overlapping responsibilities and sluggish responsiveness. In conclusion, policy effectiveness is critically constrained by weak communication, resource inequality, political interference, and inadequate inter-level coordination. To address these issues, the study recommends consistent, tiered socialization, intensive technical training to strengthen committee capacity, optimization of supporting facilities at the village level, and strict law enforcement and monitoring to ensure neutrality and integrity in the electoral process.