The immediate trigger for the violence was a dispute over a traffic accident involving a Dayak and a Madurese person. The situation quickly escalated, with both sides suffering losses. However, the Madurese community bore the brunt of the violence, with many being killed, injured, or forced to flee their homes.

In February 2001, the tensions boiled over into full-blown violence. A dispute between a Dayak and a Madurese over a logging contract sparked a wave of attacks and counterattacks between the two groups. The violence quickly spread, with both sides committing atrocities against each other.

The Perang Sampit had a profound impact on both the local communities and the national discourse in Indonesia. It highlighted the need for better integration policies, conflict resolution mechanisms, and the importance of addressing the root causes of such communal tensions. The Indonesian government and various NGOs have since worked towards reconciliation and rebuilding efforts, focusing on dialogue, education, and economic empowerment.

However, the Dayak people felt that the Madurese were encroaching on their land, disrupting their traditional way of life, and competing with them for jobs and resources. Tensions between the two groups escalated over the years, with occasional outbreaks of violence.