• Ethnicity

Ethnicity

This paper explores the linkages between decentralisation, conflict and power in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. It argues that decenralisation in Indonesia has to some extent addressed existing grievances in the regions, but that such change has LAO opened up spaces for new forms of local level elite.

The paper finds that:

• the direct election of regional heads has changed the nature of local politics, heightening local tensions while also involving the population in decision-making, alleviating some past grievances
• population demographics have changed due to the redrawing administrative boundaries, resulting in greater ethno-religious segregation
• decentralisation has changed the boundaries around the voting populace, which can play into conflict tensions if such boundaries reinforce sensitive identity cleavages
• the redrawing of boundaries has simultaneously reduced competition pressures in the ‘mother’ region.

The paper concludes that the demographic, structural, and institutional changes stimulated by decentralisation will not necessarily lead to violent conflict but that such changes do interact with or potentially stimulate local tensions. Felt grievances, perceptions of inequalities and claims to minority rights are just some of the contentious issues which can interact with decentralisation policies.

The paper concludes that effective interventions, awareness and forethought are required, as well as conflict management strategies that channel these tensions into productive outcomes rather than destructive violence. This would help ensure that diversity flourishes in multi-ethnic and religious states such as Indonesia, and that adversity is curbed.

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