The Role of Kyai, Santri, and Nasional (Abangan) in Political Identity Struggle: a Case Study

Abstract

This study aims to explore the implications of the concept of Kyai, Santri, and Nasional (Abangan) in the political struggle of a village. By employing a qualitative approach, specifically an ethnographic approach and a thorough analysis of social construction theory and the concept of identity politics, the author found several results, including those related to identity manipulation in the socio-political context of the village. The supporting system in society causes such unavoidable conditions. The community's power of identity becomes highly regarded, especially those who will run for elite positions in village political contestations. The study results show that the continuity of the Kyai, Santri, and Abangan roles occurs through internalization in social institutions, externalization by the community with symbolic messages as a code for sub-identity, and objectification of intersubjective-structured lifeworld.