Construction of Ethnic Identity in the Inter-Ethnic Conflict

Ethnic identity refers to sense of belonging or identification with an ethnic group. An ethnic is shared common internal as well as external values such as language, ideas, attitude, and feeling. This research focuses on conflict between member of Muna and Tolaki Tribe whom live in Southeast Sulawesi. The aim of this study is to explain construction of ethnic identity from the Muna and Tolaki’s tribe member which trigger conflict. To make the exploration deep and specific, case study approach, in-depth interview and social identity theory are set. based on interview from all informants, it can be found that tribe as ethnic identity give them value, norm, idea, way of life that direct them to think and to act. Each tribe used their own moral value to judge the behavior of others. As indigenous tribe in southeast Sulwesi, Both Muna and Tolaki different perspective about presenting moral value although the moral value that they are talking about is actually same for example each tribe both Muna and Tolaki respect the politeness, good manners but the way to translate the meaning of “good manner” is various.