The Patronage Leadership on Java: Is There a Toxic Leader?

A patronage and leadership are two things that are interrelated in the implementation of regional government including village government. This connection is felt even more closely when it is motivated by political and economic motivations that are wrapped in the power of a position. This paper aims to explain the relationship between patronage and leadership that encourages the birth of toxic leaders. The study revealed that the practice behind toxic leaders and their positive and negative aspects. The locus of the research is in Baderan Village, East Java, Indonesia. This study used a qualitative method with a case study approach (single case). Primary data (interviews and observations) are obtained from field studies, and secondary data (photos, government reports, archives) are obtained through literature studies. The data analysis technique used a case study design, that was "single case designs". The data were processed with the NVIVO 12 Plus data management tools. The study found that patronage and leadership in a village are inseparable. This is because political recruitment in the Village Head Election still adheres to a patronage system with a local term called "Breed". Positively, patronage can maintain the stability of power. Negatively, it creates toxic leaders who are closer to authoritarian. A toxic leader is found dressed in government positions and powers.