<![CDATA[The existence of Tuha Peut as a representative institution at the gampong level constitutes an essential component of Aceh’s customary governance system, integrating principles of local democracy with local wisdom. However, the selection mechanisms of Tuha Peut in Aceh Besar Regency vary across gampongs, raising important questions regarding how customary values, community participation, and social representation are manifested in the selection process. This study aims to analyze the selection models of Tuha Peut as a representation of local wisdom within the customary governance system of Aceh Besar Regency. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on Gampong Ateuk Anggok, Ingin Jaya District, and Gampong Meunasah Papeun, Krueng Barona Jaya District. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation and subsequently analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal two distinct models of Tuha Peut selection. Gampong Ateuk Anggok applies a direct election mechanism that emphasizes political participation, transparency, and electoral legitimacy, whereas Gampong Meunasah Papeun employs a deliberative mechanism within each dusun that prioritizes consensus, territorial representation, community leadership, and social acceptance. These two models demonstrate that democracy at the gampong level is not implemented uniformly but adapts to local social structures and customary traditions. The study concludes that the Tuha Peut selection model represents a form of customary-based local democracy that integrates participation, deliberation, representation, and community legitimacy into gampong governance.]]>
