Harmony and Tradition in Tobelo

Tobelo, capital of North Halmahera regency was not spared from the communal riots that spread across the island of Maluku from 1999 to the early 2000s. Five hundred people died and thousands were injured as a result of the conflict . To restore peace and stability, local leaders in Tobelo turned to a set of traditions known as hibualamo, which teaches that everyone originates from the same roots, whatever the religion or faith. By using this traditional approach, Tobelo community leaders were able to resolve their differences in two years, a far shorter time than in the provincial capital of Ambon, where the conflict erupted. On April 19, the people of Tobelo celebrated 11 years of peace by hosting the Congress of Indigenous People of the Archipelago, inviting scores of tribal and traditional representatives from all over Indonesia. A report from North Halmahera by Tempo reporter, Eni Saeni.