Leadership Style Visionary-Transformational Ayep Zaki in the Realization of the Vision of "Faith" in the City of Sukabumi

Abstract

This study examines the leadership style of H. Ayep Zaki, Mayor of Sukabumi (2025 – 2030), in translating his “IMAN” vision (Innovative, Self-Reliant, Religious, Nationalistic) into 19 flagship programs promised during the 2024 mayoral election. Using a qualitative descriptive approach based on literature and document review, the article explores his visionary–transformational leadership features, implementation strategies, first-100-day achievements, and public critiques. Findings reveal that a blend of visionary, participative leadership and public-service orientation accelerated the launch of the RT endowment fund, doubled RT/RW incentives, awarded 100 scholarships per sub-district, and expanded digital public services (“Sukabumi Menyala”). Nevertheless, legislative pushback on the municipal waqf endowment and delays in finalizing the Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) pose major challenges. The study underlines the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and participatory governance to ensure program sustainability.