<![CDATA[The limited research on the collaboration between traditional leaders (Blater) and religious scholars (ulama) in community development forms the background of this study, despite the significant role such cooperation plays in preserving local values and strengthening religious life, particularly in Sampang. This study aims to examine the forms, strategies, and challenges of integrating local and religious values through the collaboration between Blater and ulama in the context of community empowerment. A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving 12 key informants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation, and analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that the collaboration between Blater and ulama actively integrates local values into religious practices, reinforces social bonds among residents, and supports community empowerment initiatives. However, several challenges persist, such as resistance from certain community members and limited human and material resources. These findings align with theories of social capital and value integration, which emphasize the importance of synergy between traditional and religious institutions in community development. The main conclusion of this study is that the collaboration between Blater and ulama serves as a key factor in uniting local and religious values to strengthen social structures and accelerate community empowerment. The study offers theoretical contributions to the discourse on socio-religious cooperation, as well as practical recommendations for local governments and stakeholders to promote sustainable and context-sensitive collaborative programs. Moreover, it opens opportunities for further exploration in other regions to better understand the dynamics of local cooperation in community empowerment contexts.]]>
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