Implementation of Transformative Leadership by Local Government Heads on the Program of Tetangga Keren in Blitar City

Regional autonomy in Blitar City aims to accelerate the fulfillment of public interests through improved services, empowerment, and community participation. This study seeks to describe and analyze the transformational leadership of local government officials in the Tetangga Keren Program in Blitar City and to identify the factors influencing such leadership. The research method employed is a qualitative approach, defined as a process of generating explanations through observable individual behaviors by describing the conditions of the studied objects. The focus of this research lies in the role of local government heads as those responsible for implementing the RT KEREN program (Program of Tetangga Keren), as stipulated in Blitar Mayor Regulation No. 6 of 2022 concerning the RT Keren Program. The findings reveal that transformational leadership of local government officials is a crucial element in ensuring the program operates optimally, sustainably, and delivers tangible impacts to the community. Transformational leadership strategically drives social, cultural, and governance changes at the grassroots level, namely the Neighborhood Unit (RT). One key indicator of transformational leadership is idealized influence, in which local leaders serve as role models of integrity, possess a clear vision, and inspire as well as motivate all stakeholders, including program implementers and the community within the RT. The contribution of this study is twofold. First, in the theoretical aspect, it enriches the academic discourse in public administration and public policy related to transformational leadership and provides additional references concerning the roles and responsibilities of civil servants. Second, in the practical aspect, it offers insights beneficial for other government agencies, particularly as a response to studies on transformational leadership at the local government level, and serves as a benchmark for similar research.