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This article seeks to explain different symbolic meanings ascribed to volcanoes in various social and political discourses of Flores Island in Eastern Indonesia. The analysis shows the ideas connected to volcanoes and their central role within processes of conflict resolution at a local level. Exemplary in this regard is a hitherto undocumented peace ritual, with its practice of sacrifice. The ritual takes place at times of social conflict and in case of eruption of the highly active volcano Lewotobi laki-laki in the Lamaholot region of East Flores. The reciprocal relationship to volcanoes enables clan groups in Flores to reconcile with unpredictable natural powers and to handle dangerous and sometimes violent aspects of their society simultaneously. In addition the phenomenon of public guilt confessions will be stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the cultural differences between a small eastern Indonesia community and Western tourists. It builds on the work of Reisinger and Turner (1997, 2003) and Fitzgerald (1998) who have examined the generalized cultural differences between Indonesian tourists and Australian hosts. The study is based on research over a period of more than ten years (1989-2000) in the Ngadha regency of Flores. Participant observation, interviews, and focus groups were used to investigate the villagers governmentsç guides' and tourists' values, attitudes, perceptions, and priorities in relation to tourism. The paper provides a detailed case study of visitor and local community perceptions and values in relation to tourism, and how the differences in cultural backgrounds lead to misunderstandings and friction. Beyond the value differences identified by Reisinger and Turner (1997) in relation to time, dress, conflict avoidance, greetings, expression of emotions and authority, the research revealed differences in perceptions of crowds and events. Many tourists transgress the local cultural norms (adat) that the villagers believe disturbs the universal order, upsets the ancestors, and has the potential to produce undesirable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]