From Violence to Coexistence: The Transformation of the Dayak–Madura Conflict in Sampit, 2001–2024

Abstract

This study examines the peacebuilding process and conflict transformation between the Dayak and Madurese ethnic groups in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, during the period 2001–2024. This topic is important because the Sampit conflict not only resulted in interethnic violence, but also generated long-term impacts on social relations, collective memory, and post-conflict reconciliation processes. This research employs a qualitative method with a historical-sociological approach. Data were collected through online interviews and literature studies, and analysed using Johan Galtung’s theory of peace, particularly the concepts of peacebuilding, negative peace, positive peace, and conflict transformation. The findings show that peacebuilding in Sampit developed gradually through security stabilisation, social reconciliation, institutional strengthening, and the creation of spaces for interethnic interaction. Conflict transformation can be observed in the shift of social relations from segregation and suspicion towards more open interaction through education, community activities, religious forums, and peace symbols. Nevertheless, collective trauma, intergenerational prejudice, economic inequality, and the spread of hoaxes through social media remain challenges to sustainable peace. The implications of this study highlight the importance of multicultural education, social trauma healing, early warning systems, and inclusive economic policies in strengthening post-conflict reconciliation. The originality of this research lies in its long-term analysis of the Sampit conflict from 2001 to 2024 and its enrichment of Galtung’s theory through local dimensions such as customary values, collective trauma, peace symbols, and the role of younger generations.