Potency of Social Conflict In The Meranti Islands Regency

Abstract

Riau Province has a diverse community composition both in religion, race and ethnicity. Plurality is like two inseparable sides of a coin. On the one hand, diversity is able to become a force for progress, but on the other hand it can be a trigger for conflict. If not managed properly, this power will turn into an unexpected potential social conflict. Meranti Islands Regency is part of the Riau Province, an area directly adjacent to neighboring Malaysia. Under these conditions, the vulnerability to destructive social conflicts increases. The high potential for social conflict occurs considering that the welfare of the community is still not evenly distributed, despite the abundance of natural resources and plantation products. Welfare can only be enjoyed by people who live in urban areas or in government centers, while indigenous people who generally live in districts near the border live below the decent life line, do not recognize modern models and lifestyles, minimal education, and limited supporting infrastructure. social life. This disparity certainly creates different social conflicts but has the same potential in breaking the integrity of ethnic groups. The case study is used as an approach in this research to identify the sources, motives and issues of social conflict, explore the causes and map the potential for social conflicts that occur in the Meranti Islands district, as a representation of areas near the border. The selection of the district aims to get the character of social conflicts, so that the data obtained from the mapping can be the main reference in determining prevention or handling efforts, to social conflict resolution mechanisms based on the conditions and needs of various parties. The results showed that1) Social conflicts that occur stem from seizure of natural resources in the form of seizure of land or forest with issues management of Industrial Plantation Forest (HTI) covering an area of 41,205 ha on the island of Padang. This conflict does not only have economic motives but also social motives, 2) KMeranti Islands district has two potential social conflicts, namely conflicts with economic motives, high prices for basic necessities and political motives, the existence of borders that do not yet exist so the potential for multiple voters