Law Enforcement in Regional Head Elections: A Sociological Law Perspective in Indonesia's Democratic Consolidation

Abstract

Direct regional head elections (Pilkada) represent a significant innovation in Indonesia's local democratic consolidation process. However, the implementation of Pilkada faces various legal enforcement challenges that can be analyzed from a sociological law perspective. This study examined the law enforcement system in Pilkada, identified critical problems in its implementation, and analyzed success indicators from both procedural and substantive dimensions. The research employed a normative juridical approach with sociological analysis, examining Law No. 32 of 2004 and related regulations. The findings revealed three main problems: suboptimal performance of election supervisors and organizers, limited legal instruments, and weak competence of law enforcement institutions. From a sociological perspective, Pilkada as a social process is influenced by political participation patterns, electoral culture, and local social dynamics that often create pseudo-participation through vote buying and voter mobilization. The study concluded that quality Pilkada requires not only formal-procedural mechanisms but also substantive guarantees of civil liberties, fair competition, and accountable political leadership. Law enforcement in Pilkada must integrate legal, political, and sociocultural dimensions to avoid the trap of electoralism and realize substantive democracy at the local level.

Keywords: Regional head elections; law enforcement; sociology of law; democratic consolidation; electoral democracy; local governance