Submitted by sep_admin on Fri, 2017-02-17 23:46
This paper presents the results of a qualitative and ethnographic study that researched ethnic conflict in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. One of the main aims of this paper is to show that ethnic violence in Central Kalimantan was not an inevitable clash between two different cultural groups. Instead, the paper argues that the violence was a result of the combined effects of socio-economic marginalization of an indigenous group (the Dayak), with failed state interventions to prevent the build-up of conflict and outbreak of violence. In February 2001, a wave of killings by ethnic Dayak against ethnic Madurese spread throughout Central Kalimantan. The attacks were concentrated around the provincial capital of Sampit, but killings were reported through the entire province. These massacres were echoes of previous attacks against ethnic Madurese in West Kalimantan, from 1996-1997 and in 1999. It was even more shocking because it was happening all over again. After three days of hand-to-hand slaughter, the central government responded to the pleas for help from an overwhelmed provincial government by sending the army. The ultimate aim of this paper, is to consider the extent to which Bank interventions and projects can assist in reducing the potential and consequences of local conflict, especially in terms of the Bank's growing emphasis on, and support for, community based development efforts.