Optimalisasi Peran Mediator Desa dalam Pencegahan Konflik Sosial Masyarakat

Abstract

Social conflict is a natural part of community life that can arise from conflicting interests, misunderstandings, economic issues, land disputes, or poor communication among residents. At the village level, social conflicts that are not properly addressed have the potential to disrupt social stability and harmonious community relations. In such circumstances, village mediators play a strategic role as facilitators capable of bridging communication gaps, fostering dialogue, and promoting peaceful conflict resolution. This community service initiative aims to enhance the understanding and capacity of village officials and community leaders in performing mediation functions as a means of preventing social conflicts within the community. The activity was implemented using a participatory approach, comprising stages of observation, socialization, mediation training, conflict resolution simulations, and activity evaluation. The results of the community service initiative indicate an increased public understanding of the importance of mediation in achieving peaceful and consensus-based conflict resolution. Additionally, village officials and community leaders have begun to grasp mediation communication techniques, negotiation strategies, and persuasive approaches to mitigate potential social conflicts within the community. A mediation approach rooted in consensus-building and local wisdom has proven effective in strengthening social harmony and fostering more humane and just conflict resolutions.