Managing Religious Harmony: Hoaxes, Dialogue, and Conflict Resolution in Tanjung Balai, Indonesia: The Case of Meiliana

Hamdan Daulay, - and Lathiful Khuluq, - (2024) Managing Religious Harmony: Hoaxes, Dialogue, and Conflict Resolution in Tanjung Balai, Indonesia: The Case of Meiliana. Islamic Quarterly, 68 (4). pp. 495-506. ISSN 0021-1842

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Abstract

This study investigates the breakdown of religious harmony in Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra, Indonesia, focusing on the widely publicised case known as the Meiliana tragedy, in which a non-Muslim woman was imprisoned for protesting the volume of a mosque’s loudspeaker. Employing qualitative methods and a case study approach, the research gathers data through in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis. Findings reveal that diversity, when not carefully managed, can become a source of tension and conflict among local communities. The study confirms that the spread of hoaxes and misinformation significantly contributed to the escalation of the conflict. The lack of effective conflict management further intensified social unrest. To address such challenges, the study underscores the importance of honest and inclusive interfaith dialogue, policy frameworks that promote mutual understanding, and empowering local communities to take an active role in conflict resolution. The role of the state should be that of a facilitator and mediator in maintaining social and religious cohesion.

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