Village elections, violence and Islamic leadership in Lombok, Eastern Indonesia

Indonesia has undergone a major political transformation over the past decade from authoritarianism to democracy with significant power being delegated to the provincial and local levels. One of the consequences has been the development of rivalries between local elites over the rewards of this decentralization, which can potentially lead to violence. From a conflict management perspective, this article examines one of these localized conflicts that emerged from political machinations on the eastern Indonesian island of Lombok in a village just outside the capital city, Mataram, and the strategies utilized to restore calm. Specifically considered will be the actions of state officials and community leaders, as well as the adat (customary) practices employed and the pivotal role of local Muslim religious leaders, Tuan Guru.