Paths to Peace:
From Temporary Resolution to Democratic Conflict Transformation in Multicultural Indonesia

Muhadi Sugiono
Gadjah Mada University
Indonesia

Abstract
In Indonesia, Models and process of resolving violent conflict in the past ten years are closely related to, or stem in larger extent from perspectives used by those working in conflict resolution field. Such perspectives differ in understanding the nature, the contxt as well as the roots causes of the conflicts. The difference in the starting points undoubtedly leads to the difference in model of conflict resolution. Drawing on the works that we have done on ethnic and religious conflicts in Southeast Asia  generally and in Indonesia particularly we come to three dominant perspectives on conflicts and, consequently, on conflict resolution. This paper will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the three approaches of conflicts and models of conflict resolution and suggest an alternative approach to conflict based on local reality.