Adhi Cahya Fahadayna, Ahmad Hasan Ubaid, Yusli Effendi
This research aims to analyse a pattern of illiberal peacebuilding in the Sunni-Shia conflict from its emergence in 2006, through the conflict de-escalation phase, and finally its resolution in 2022. By interviewing critical actors involved in the conflict (e.g. Shia leaders, religious organisations, and local governments), we discover a pattern of conflict management within sub-national authorities under Indonesia’s decentralised system of governance. Our findings show that clientelism and brokerage involving government institutions and religious actors, who played central roles as conflict resolution agents, were the most influential factors in shaping the illiberal peacebuilding outcome of the Sunni–Shia conflict. These actors, through their positions and influence, contributed to a decision-making process that was heavily shaped by political interests. Within this context, the relocation of the Shia community was chosen as a rational and pragmatic solution. The choice prioritised social stability and political expediency over reconciliation or the protection of minority rights. © 2025 King’s College London.
Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Politics, Government, and International Relations, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
