Adonara Conflict: Human Rights Minister Promotes Resolution Through Cultural Approach

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has deployed a team from the Ministry of Human Rights’ Regional Office in East Nusa Tenggara, together with the Minister’s Special Staff, to directly monitor the clashes that occurred in East Adonara District, East Flores Regency. The move was taken as a form of handling the conflict, which resulted in casualties and material losses. Based on preliminary reports, the clashes between two villages resulted in at least three deaths, a number of residents injured, and dozens of houses burned. During field monitoring, the Ministry of Human Rights team will assess the post-conflict condition of the community while identifying the necessary steps to support a peaceful resolution. Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that resolving the Adonara conflict needs to prioritise an approach suited to the character of the local community. ‘Based on experience handling cases there, we assess that an approach through cultural solutions is far more effective than policing,’ he said in a written statement on Sunday. He explained that a culture-based approach is considered capable of helping to rebuild public trust and preventing similar conflicts from recurring. The involvement of traditional leaders, religious figures, and community elements is an important part of the resolution process. The Indonesian Ministry of Human Rights will continue to coordinate with the regional government, security forces, and community leaders to ensure the handling process proceeds peacefully while respecting human rights. The government also hopes that conditions in Adonara will soon return to normal so that affected residents can resume their activities.