Mediation Training As An Alternative Dispute Resolution (Non-Litigation) for Community Leaders

Abstract

Village conflicts are often embedded in long-term social relationships and require an accessible, voluntary, and relationship-restoring mechanism. This community engagement program aimed to strengthen community leaders’ capacity to facilitate impartial, safe, and legally informed mediation. The training was conducted in Tanjung Mudo Village, East Jangkat District, Merangin Regency, on 21–22 March 2026. Participatory adult learning combined presentations, case discussions, demonstrations, role-plays, feedback, and reflection. Evaluation was designed through pre- and post-tests, an observation rubric, and a satisfaction questionnaire. The program produced a seven-stage protocol, a case-suitability and referral checklist, an issue map, ground rules, and a settlement template. The simulations supported practice in neutral opening statements, active listening, reframing, interest identification, option generation, and settlement drafting. Community-mediator capacity building should integrate communication skills, ethics, risk screening, and a functional referral network, followed by mentoring and periodic evaluation.