Political Communication Strategies of DPRD Members in Absorbing Public Aspirations: A Case Study of Jombang Regency Period 2024-2029

This research describes the political communication strategies of DPRD members in Jombang Regency for the 2024-2029 period in absorbing public aspirations. Using a qualitative approach with case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Results show DPRD members implement multi-channel strategies integrating formal-institutional and informal-personal approaches, adapted to pesantren-based socio-cultural characteristics. Findings reveal five contribution dimensions: increased public participation, responsiveness of political representation, strengthening of cultural-based socio-political relations, transparency-accountability, and public policy effectiveness. The research enriches political communication literature by adding socio-religious context dimensions, emphasizing the importance of involving religious leaders as social legitimacy in political communication in pesantren-based regions