Conflict Management in 19th Century Malay Archipelago Folklores

Conflict has always been dynamically linked together and expanded along with the human development. This can be seen in the development of folklores since hundreds of years ago. A number of different approaches have been used to resolve arguments, disputes, inner conflicts etc in Malay stories due to the realization that the existence of conflicts is an inevitable phenomenon in an individual or a society. The researcher is very intrigued by the findings that conflict management has always been existent in folklores specially dedicated to children. The folklores from children’s’ perspectives were compiled in the form of manuscripts dan printed materials since more than hundred years ago and dedicated to children as seen in the books of dalam Kitab Pembatjaan, Soerat hikajat-hikajat jang baik laipoen bergoena di batja oleh anak-anak. (Surat hikayat-hikayat yang baik lagipun berguna di baca oleh anak-anak) and many more. These stories are being well kept at the Central Library of Leiden University and KITLV (Koninklij Instituut Voor de Taal-Lan-en Volkenkunde or better known as The Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Carribean Studies) in Netherlands. In this research, there are a few childrens’ stories chosen to evaluate the existence of conflict management. The findings show that there are a few methods used by the traditional Malay society in managing conflicts.