By analyzing the revival of the Jailolo Sultanate in 2003, this article analyzes the meanings of the revitalization of Adat centering kings in local politics in Indonesia. Jailolo had collapsed in the 16^th century, but Sultan Mudaffar Sjah of Ternate declared that he found a descendant of the lost royal family and inaugurated him as the king of the newly revived kingdom. This act was a political strategy of Mudaffar Sjah to gain popular vote in the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for 2001 in the newly-created North Maluku Province. Parallel to emphasize his traditional authority as the ruler of Ternate, he also elevated his position as the overlord of Halmahera, followed the examples of the precedent sultans of Ternate. In doing so, he claimed himself as a culture hero, who would revive the mythical power balance of four central states of Maluku to bring regional prosperity, which was based upon the popular Millenarian beliefs. The revival of Jailolo demonstrates that feudal elites emerged as another key participants in local elections. Yet, their participation in politics received criticisms by the advocates of democracy and grass-root Adat movements. The Adat revival based upon kings also showed a problem of encompassment, which means that it was difficult for the kings to gain supports from the entire population.