Inter-Village Conflict on Adonara Ends Peacefully Through Traditional Rituals
A land dispute that sparked deadly conflict between villages on Adonara Island, East Flores Regency, has officially ended through a peaceful resolution involving traditional rituals and a mutual agreement. The reconciliation was witnessed by East Nusa Tenggara Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma on Monday (10/8/2026).
Deputy Governor Asadoma praised the magnanimity of the community leaders for choosing dialogue, emphasising that peace is crucial for restoring brotherhood and enabling development. “In life, conflict is sometimes unavoidable. But the most important thing is that we learn from it and do not repeat the same mistakes,” he stated, noting that the previous land conflict had resulted in loss of life and property.
Asadoma stressed that in any conflict, there are no true winners, as the primary casualty is the bond of brotherhood. He highlighted the significance of the traditional rituals, including ‘Lepan Dopi Ledan Gala’ and the ‘Jeda Sakral’, which symbolise the laying down of shields and spears. “Let us revive the spirit of living in harmony as brothers and sisters, born from the same womb,” he added.
The Deputy Governor asserted that a safe and peaceful environment is an absolute prerequisite for sustainable development on Adonara. Government programmes, including the construction of roads, schools, health facilities, and economic and tourism development, cannot function optimally amidst conflict.
The event was attended by regional leaders across sectors, including East Nusa Tenggara Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Pol. Faizal, East Flores Regent Antonius Doni Dihen, and Deputy Regent Ignasius Boli, alongside military and human rights officials. East Flores Regent Antonius Doni Dihen thanked the traditional elders for their momentous decision to pursue peace, calling the day a historic milestone for the people of Adonara.
The reconciliation process included the reading of a peace commitment and the signing of an official Peace Agreement. This was followed by a traditional oath and the ‘Bau Lolon’ ritual performed by elders from Lewonara and Bele, sanctifying the agreement before ‘Rera Wulan Tana Ekan’ (God and the Universe). The community also participated in the ‘Sambung Koda Haten’ ritual to restore familial bonds and break the cycle of intergenerational vengeance.
This reconciliation marks the culmination of efforts to resolve the land dispute that triggered violent clashes on Saturday (18/7/2026), which resulted in three deaths and the burning of 68 houses.