THE ETHNIC IDENTITY USAGE (REGION/DISTRICT) AT THE GOVERNOR ELECTION IN NORTH SUMATRA, INDONESIA

In this reform era, the politicization of ethnic identity is happening, in which the
ethnic identity of political competition is still being discussed. North Sumatra as the third
largest province in Indonesia is a province that has multicultural profile which is filled by
various ethnics such as: Malay, Karo, Simalungun, Toba, Angkola/Mandailing, Pakpak, Nias,
Java, Minangkabau, Aceh, Chinese, Indian and others. With such multicultural features, the
ethnic factors become interesting to be studied in relation to the direct governor election. The
composition of the population of North Sumatra based on ethnic (region/district), namely: Java
33.4%, Tapanuli Toba 25.62%, Mandailing 11.27%, Nias 6.36%, Malay 5.86%, Karo 5.09% ,
Other tribe 3.29%, Chinese 2.71%, Minang 2.66%, Simalungun 2.04%, Aceh 0.97%, and
Pakpak 0.73%. During this time, people in North Sumatra can be said to live in harmony
though they have a difference destination.