Sampit conflict

Sampit conflict
Part of the Post-Suharto era
DateFebruary 18–28, 2001
Location
Result
  • Riots ended by February 28
  • Small-scale riots continued throughout the year
Belligerents
Dayak rioters Madurese rioters

Indonesia

Strength

32,000 in Sampit

1,500,000 in Central Kalimantan
90,000 in Sampit 4,000–5,000 in Central Kalimantan
Casualties and losses
188 killed
  • 500–1,000 killed (100–700 beheaded)
  • 100,000–250,000 displaced
6 killed

The Sampit conflict, Sampit war or Sampit riots was an outbreak of inter-ethnic violence in Indonesia, beginning in February 2001 and lasting through the year. The conflict started in the town of Sampit, Central Kalimantan, and spread throughout the province, including the capital Palangka Raya. The conflict took place between the indigenous Dayak people and the migrant Madurese people from the island of Madura off Java. The exact origin of the conflict is disputed, but it eventually culminated in hundreds of deaths, with at least one hundred Madurese being decapitated.