Implementasi Kearifan Lokal dan Demokrasi Terhadap Praktik Pemerintahan Kabupaten Wajo

The implementation of local wisdom in the governance system of Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi, is an effort to integrate traditional values with modern democratic principles. Democracy, which has been rapidly developing worldwide, faces challenges in the context of Wajo Regency, where kinship traditions and the dominance of the nobility still influence the government structure. This study aims to explore how local wisdom, reflected in the concept of "Maradeka To Wajo'e," can enrich democratic practices and increase community participation in decision-making. The method used in this study is qualitative descriptive, with a case study approach to illustrate the implementation of local wisdom in Wajo's governance. Data were collected through interviews with stakeholders, observations, and analysis of relevant documents. This study found that despite the challenges of integrating local values with modern democracy, there is a significant potential to strengthen community participation and improve transparency through traditional participation mechanisms such as musyawarah (deliberation) and gotong royong (mutual cooperation). However, this integration also faces potential conflicts between local values and universal democratic principles, particularly concerning gender equality and transparency. In conclusion, although challenges remain in integrating local wisdom with modern democracy, this effort offers opportunities to create a more inclusive, participatory, and responsive governance system that addresses the needs of the community. The success of this integration requires a context-sensitive approach, ensuring transparent, accountable, and inclusive participation mechanisms. With government policies supporting regional autonomy, local wisdom can serve as a bridge towards a fairer and more sustainable democracy in Wajo Regency.