The year 2001 marked a dark chapter in the history of Indonesia, particularly in the island of Kalimantan, where a series of violent clashes between the Dayak and Madura communities led to one of the most devastating conflicts in the country's recent history. The conflict, which came to be known as the Sampit War, left deep scars on the nation and its people, and its impact is still felt to this day.
Over the next few days, the violence escalated, with both sides committing atrocities against each other. The Dayak, who were largely Christian, targeted Madurese-owned businesses and homes, while the Madurese, who were predominantly Muslim, attacked Dayak communities.
On February 16, 2001, a Madurese woman was allegedly beaten by a group of Dayak men in the town of Sampit, the capital of Central Kalimantan. The incident sparked a wave of violence, as Madurese mobs retaliated against the Dayak community.
The Sampit War had a devastating impact on the people of Central Kalimantan. According to official estimates, over 500 people were killed in the conflict, with many more injured or displaced.