BUILDING PEACE THROUGH QUR’ANIC INTERPRETATION IN MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN THE POST-CONFLICT WEST KALIMANTAN

Abstract

This study explores building peace in post-conflict West Kalimantan, Indonesia, especially among Muslim communities that experienced ethnic conflict in 1999. This qualitative research with a phenomenological approach observed and conducted in-depth interviews with the Muslim community, both Malay Sambas and Madurese. In addition, the data were also gained from interviews with religious leaders in West Kalimantan. This study found that few religious leaders still carry out conflict resolution through contextual interpretation of the Qur’an under social conditions in West Kalimantan. In principle, West Kalimantan can become an area of tolerance, especially in the post-ethnic conflict area of Sambas. With the characteristics of a moderate Muslim society, social interaction between ethnicities, and genealogically the Ulama in West Kalimantan conveys moderate Islamic messages; the West Kalimantan area has the potential to become a peaceful area following the conflict. However, all elements of government, school educators, and religious leaders must synergize in building peace in West Kalimantan. The role of religious leaders in ethnic conflicts is indispensable, especially since they have charismatic authority that influences their followers. Therefore, religious leaders must deliver messages of peace through their charismatic authority.