Public Participation in the 2024 Regent and Vice Regent Election of Kutai Kartanegara Regency

This study investigates the dynamics of public participation in the 2024 Regional Head and Deputy Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) of Kutai Kartanegara Regency, addressing the core problem of fluctuating voter engagement and the factors that shape citizens' willingness to participate in both the main election and the mandated revote (PSU). The objective of this research is to analyze the level of public participation and identify the supporting and inhibiting factors influencing voter behavior, particularly in relation to the implementation of KPU Regulation No. 9 of 2022 and the use of local wisdom-based outreach strategies. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The results show that the principles outlined in PKPU No. 9 of 2022, especially those pertaining to public engagement, have been effectively implemented through collaborative, adaptive, and culturally grounded socialization efforts that improve political understanding. Supporting factors of participation include political awareness, civic responsibility, emotional proximity to candidates, and pragmatic motivations such as money politics. Meanwhile, inhibiting factors include political apathy, distrust in the political system, limited knowledge of candidates, limited time for socialization, geographical barriers, natural disasters, and limited understanding of the PSU mechanism. Overall, public participation in both the Pilkada and the PSU in Kutai Kartanegara reflects a dynamic interaction between enthusiasm and structural and cultural constraints, forming a complex landscape of idealistic and pragmatic voter motivations.