IDENTITAS SOSIAL DAN BUDAYA YANG MENJADI AKAR MASALAH DALAM KONFLIK ANTARSUKU DI MALUKU (Studi Kasus Desa Wakal dan Hitu di Maluku Tengah)

This study analyzes how social and cultural identities have become the root cause of the protracted conflict between Wakal and Hitu Villages in Central Maluku since 2000. Using Henri Tajfel's Social Identity Theory with a qualitative sociological-legal approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with community leaders and literature review. The results show that the conflict is triggered by three components of customary law communities: genealogy (blood relations), territoriality (territory control), and mixedness. Rigid social categorization divides communities into in-groups and out-groups, where every minor incident is considered a threat to collective self-esteem. Excessive social identification triggers collective violence as a mechanism to maintain positive group identity. Inhibiting factors include the lack of regulation of customary law communities, dissatisfaction with legal treatment, and hereditary grudges. Conflict resolution requires a comprehensive approach that considers legal, psychological, social, and cultural aspects, including formal recognition of customary law communities, inclusive dialogue, and multicultural education.