>>30905308This is indicative of a highly centralized government within the Alola region. Ride pokemon are collectively shared, but riding, surfing, or flying your own pokemon isn't. In fact, there are even no bikes. These pokemon probably have some sort of monitoring device on them. Furthermore, the Alolan government (a sprawling and inefficient beaurocracy, as seen in Hau'oli City town hall) can probably send these pokemon some sort of signal to stop them from doing something if need be.
The Kahunas are delegated over watching over their islands. Kukui, one of the educated characters, has bent the Kahunas to his will via the pokemon league and is the strongest trainer in the region. This implies that Kukui has no real political or traditional right to his essentially dictatorial position, but he is the strongest in the region. Meanwhile, he maintains loyalty of the Kahunas because they function as the new aristocratic class, have hereditary positions, and are weaker than Kukui. He can hide his power trip most of the time, but sometimes it shows. Who else could trespass in a stranger's house (yours on the first cutscene) with zero repercussion?
Furthermore, there is only one school in the game. The peasant/proletariat class does not receive education, ensuring their loyalty. Remember how empty the library was? Many NPC'S don't mention a job, which means they are given their life necessities by the government, making them content and comfortable, but stifling innovation. There are some clear staff jobs, but many Alolans are likely lifelong NEETs. Many houses don't even have books! This might explain why we haven't seen a pokemon league until the protagonist is around.
The Alolan people suffer in tyranny but don't even realize it due to benevolent aristocracy and a lack of education. How sad is that?
