Conversion of Social Capital into Political and Economic Capitals: A Case Study of Erzaldi Rosman Winning in Bangka Belitung’s Gubernatorial Election in 2017)

Abstract

This research aimed to find out how the conversion of social capital into political and economic capitals in the winning of Erzaldi Rosman as a challenger candidate of the incumbent candidate in Bangka Belitung’s gubernatorial election in 2017. The winning of a candidate in Regional Head Election (Pilkada) definitely cannot be separated from some supporting factors, covering social, economic and political capital factors and other factors. This research used Piere Bourdieu’s social capital theory to explore the winning factors owned by Erzaldi Rosman against the incumbent candidate in Bangka Belitung’s gubernatorial election in 2017. Besides, this research applied Casey’s political capital theory to determine how Erzaldi Rosman built political networks to run in the election. Additionally, economic (financial) capital concepts were also used to explore how Erzaldi Rosman developed financial networks that made him and his running mate of deputy governor candidate able to defeat the rival pair or the incumbent candidate in Bangka Belitung’s gubernatorial election in 2017.This research used a qualitative approach with a case study method. The qualitative approach applied in this research was intended to understand what the research subject experienced, for example, behaviors or actions by way of description in the form of texts, images, words, and languages revealed and found in this research. The data were derived from interviews, records/ notes, videos, and documents. The descriptive-qualitative type used in this research was aimed to obtain information about the selected pair of Erzaldi-Fatah as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands for the period of 2017-2022 by looking at the social, political, and economic capitals owned by this couple. Based on the results of this research, the winning of Erzaldi Rosman over the incumbent candidate in Bangka Belitung election contest in 2017 was affected by the factor of social capital owned by Erzaldi Rosman. Furthermore, Erzaldi Rosman successfully converted his social capital into economic and political capitals (a coalition of some parties to nominate Erzaldi) to run in the election.

Keywords: Pilkada, Gubernatorial Election, Social Capital, Political Capital, Economic Capital, Conversion.