Tradition to Parliament: Dynamics of the Role of PSMTI and INTI in Ethnic Chinese Politics in the 2024 Election in Medan City

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the dynamics of the roles of the Paguyuban Marga Sosial Tionghoa Indonesia (PSMTI) and the Ikatan Tionghoa Indonesia (INTI) in the local politics of Medan City ahead of the 2024 Elections, particularly how they adapt their traditional roles to influence election outcomes. Given the issues of social integration and political representation of ethnic minorities, this research is critical as it discusses how the Chinese ethnic group utilizes political mechanisms to advocate for their rights and interests in a developing democratic context. This study employs qualitative methods with a field study approach. Data collection techniques used include in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to gather data on the political strategies of PSMTI and INTI. The collected data will be analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s techniques. The results indicate that both organizations have effectively utilized practices of clientelism to secure policies favorable to the Chinese ethnicity, while creating significant political support networks. This study reveals how strategic adaptations in identity politics by ethnic groups can influence local political dynamics, offering important lessons for a broader understanding of the interactions between ethnic minorities and national political structures.