Political Influence of Kiai on Santri's Voting Behavior at the 2019 Election

It is undeniable that Kiai (the leader in the Islamic boarding school) and Santri (the students of the Islamic boarding school) have a long history in Indonesian political dynamics. Additionally, the number of Islamic boarding schools has significantly increased. This study aimed to explain how Kiai’s voting behavior influenced the voting behaviour of Santris in the General Elections of 2019. The method used in this study was a descriptive qualitative method that involved observing a case study at the Wisma Wisnu Islamic Boarding School, Madiun. The data was analysed by using the sociological theory approach (The Columbia Study) and Rational Choice. The findings of this study showed that the voting behavior of Kiai in the Elections in 2019 involved rational choice. Kiai was able to assess the quality, competence, and integrity of the candidates through their vision, mission, and programs. Conversely, the voting behaviour of Santri in the election showed a sociological approach (The Colombia Study); they did not know the vision, mission, and programs of by the electoral candidates because they were not involved during the campaign stage. The Santri only considered and made their choices based on the guidance of their Kiai and parents. Keywords: Kiai (the leader in Islamic boarding school); Santri’s (the students of the Islamic boarding school); Voting Behavio