The Attraction of Gandrung Magic and Its Function as a Political Communication Tool in Banyuwangi

Abstract

This study aims to analyze politicians' efforts to use Gandrung performing arts as a tool to campaign for their political ideas in the elections in Banyuwangi. This study also aims to explore and translate the potential of Gandrung Banyuwangi as an innovative and effective political communication tool for politicians in increasing public involvement. This study, then, is structured as a qualitative descriptive study. The data used in this study was collected using semi-structured interviews, while also applying in-depth interviews or often referred to as unstructured interviews with research participants. Participants recruited for the interview came from three legislative politicians who currently serve as members of the Indonesian house of representatives, the East Java Local People's Representative Council from the Banyuwangi electoral district, and the Banyuwangi Local People's Representative Council, three executive politicians, and four cultural figures. The results of this study indicate that Gandrung Banyuwangi is used by political actors in Banyuwangi as a medium for political communication because Gandrung has a strong emotional magical appeal and has historical value and a strong cultural identity in Banyuwangi. The use of Gandrung as a political communication medium is used with the aim of influencing and strengthening the community's political participation by using political symbols and identities, as well as building emotional ties with the community through historical and cultural values. Therefore, it can be said that Gandrung Banyuwangi can be an effective communication medium in conveying political messages to the public.