Abstract

Ethnic conflict occurs when there are differences in the physical characteristics and cultural behavior between groups. However, these differences will not lead to violence unless followed by the domination of one ethnic group over another in social, economic, and political aspects. Meanwhile, political conflict occurs when there is domination from one group that holds political power over another and uses a repressive approach to legitimize its power. This paper examines various arguments that explain how ethnic violence in the province of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, has occurred and to what extent the New Order government policies contributed to the violence.