Local Elite Competition and Conspiracy in Regional Expansion in the Indonesian Archipelago Region

This study aims to analyze and explain the forms of competition and conspiracy of local elites in regional expansion in the Indonesian archipelago. The research approach uses qualitative descriptive, with data collection through observation, interviews and documentation as well as data analysis through data collection, data assessment, data interpretation, data analysis, and data conclusions. To obtain data validity, this analysis will use data triangulation techniques, which means conducting cross-checks between one data source and another, and between sources. The findings of this study concluded that competition among local elites in the expansion was due to each elite, both on Obi Island, Bacan City, and Ternate City, having political interests after the regional expansion. The priority of political interests desired by local elites is position/power, while the occurrence of conspiracy among several local elites in regional expansion is due to the similarity of economic interests or business ventures located in the Obi Island area.