Identifying and Resolving Conflicts Using Local Wisdom: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

For a long time, Maluku civilization has been heterogeneous. It can be seen in differences in ethnicity, beliefs, language, and culture, creating conflicts. This research intends to identify and resolve conflicts utilizing local wisdom, particularly regional language, and cultural viewpoints. It is a descriptive qualitative study that adopts an ethnolinguistic perspective to analyze data. Data was collected through participatory observation using an interview guide containing open-ended questions. Thirty participants comprised ten women and twenty men, aged 38 to 82 years; they were kings, traditional leaders, religious leaders, police, and conflict victims. Findings show that socio-cultural aspects, i.e., territorial disputes, different perspectives on culture, and youth delinquency, dominate conflicts in Maluku, Indonesia. However, using language in advice, proverbs, pela, gandong, molo, or nyelam as local wisdom can build peace. It indicates a new model for handling conflict in the regional language and culture to maintain security, continuity, and stability.