In February 2001, the city of Sampit (Central Kalimantan) became the epicenter of a brutal ethnic conflict between the Dayak and Madurese communities. Over several weeks, hundreds lost their lives, thousands were displaced, and the nation watched in horror.
Post-conflict, local leaders (both Dayak and Madurese) initiated pamusut (traditional reconciliation ceremonies) and bakar batu . Many Madurese who fled returned. Today, Sampit is rebuilding, though trust remains fragile. perang sampit madura
2/ Feb 18, 2001: Mass killings began. Traditional mandau blades vs machetes. Over 500 killed, 100,000+ Madurese displaced from Kalimantan. In February 2001, the city of Sampit (Central
Most outsiders first hear of Sampit through grainy 2001 news footage: severed heads on poles, burning houses, and terrified refugees. But Perang Sampit (the Sampit War) wasn’t an act of savagery—it was a collapse of civic trust. Many Madurese who fled returned