How bonding, bridging, and linking social capital shape voter behavior in underdeveloped regions of Indonesia

Although numerous studies have examined voter behavior in political contexts, limited attention has been given to how social capital shapes voting behavior among underrepresented populations. The study aims to understand three aspects of social capital (bonding, bridging, linking) in the behavior of voters in Indonesia. Research data were obtained from 25 villages in Seluma Regency, Indonesia. The study involved 11 informants in the FGD process including village elites, youth, local election officers, village heads, former village head, and women's representatives. We also conducted interviews with 10 selected informants from the villages. The data results of the interview were transcribed and analyzed using classification and categorization. Data coding used Atlas.ti to group emerging themes. The study identifies aspects such as loyalty, solidarity, shame, and obligation to vote that improves voter behavior in marginalized areas, while family, groups, religious figures, and local elites encourage voting participation.