intercultural communication effectiveness (conflict management in the village Kebon Kelapa)

Abstract

Indonesia has experienced several severe ethnic conflicts since 1998. One of the most severe ethnic conflicts is Dayak and the Madurese conflict in Kalimantan. However there is a case of successful Madurese adapt and resolve conflicts with Sundanese in the village Kebon Kelapa. Identity Negotiation Theory, Hall’s cultural dimensions, and intercultural conflict management styles serve as the theoretical foundations for this research. The research data were collected by conducting indepth interviews with 9 Madurese residents and 9 Sundanese residents who represent three generations of conflict parties. Focus group discussions with Madurese and Sundanese were held to generate richer data. This study found that conflicts related to the content and relational issues as cultural differences; Madurese’s low context culture and Sundanese’s high context culture, resolved through compromise styles that led to better intercultural interpersonal relationship and working relationship. Improving those relationships were able to reduce an unresolved identity issue conflict that was usually exacerbated by economic disparity issues. More importantly, the second and third generations of those ethnic groups are found to have significant role on resolving conflicts. In this situation, the opinion leader of each ethnic group is a critical component that can facilitate dialog between conflicting parties, whereas the monumental event that symbolize the success of resolving conflict also plays a role as media of uniting Madurese and Sundanese as an community. It suggested principles or lessons for effectively handling intercultural conflicts.