Conflict Management in Multiethnic Communities: a Case Study in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

This study aims to identify physical conflict management and avoidance between ethnic groups in transmigration settlements. Using a qualitative approach with data collection techniques comprised of observation and in-depth interviews, this research uses interpretive understanding for analyzing the data. Both macro-level and micro-level theories are applied in this research to analyze the interconnections of structure and agency. The fundamental question to be answered in this study is what causes conflicts between ethnic groups in transmigration settlement sites and how ethnic group citizens manage conflicts so that they do not become open conflicts and remain coexistent. Results show that the sources of conflict include the legal uncertainty of land ownership and the lack of social platforms for different ethnic groups to interact and discuss the problems. Social disparities between ethnic groups and differences in values and norms also contribute to the conflict. However, there was a potential for cooperation between ethnic groups. The different ethnic groups tend to restrain themselves and prevent violent conflict. The ethnic communities managed the conflict by ignoring disputes and making compromises to avoid open disagreements. These compromises involved lowering the demands and expectations of the object of conflict; the strategy manages the disputes and helps to reduce open disagreements and support multiethnic communities. In order for the ethnic groups involved in the conflict to negotiate and compromise, the availability of social space plays a pivotal role.