Culture and Indigenous Knowledge: Tepung Tawar Bedami as Conflict Resolution in the Malay Community of Palembang

Conflicts are a recurring element in daily life, ranging from minor disagreements to major disputes that demand attention from various stakeholders. These conflicts are often embedded in the flow of human communication and may arise from interpersonal interactions. While Western theories are typically used to resolve conflicts, Indonesia possesses rich local knowledge capable of offering alternative, culturally relevant solutions often preserved exclusively within indigenous communities. This study explores Tepung Tawar Bedami, a traditional conflict resolution method practiced by the Malay community in Palembang. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data were gathered through interviews and document analysis. The study found that Tepung Tawar Bedami is based on consensus and deliberation and fosters harmony between disputing parties, symbolizes reconciliation between two conflicted families (angken-angkenan), serves as a healing process for physical and emotional wounds, and strengthens social and environmental interconnectedness. These findings demonstrate the value of integrating local wisdom into conflict resolution frameworks, contributing to the development of indigenous-based theoretical models.