The conflict claimed over 100 lives, with many more injured or displaced. The violence was so intense that it sparked a massive refugee crisis, with thousands of Madurese fleeing the area in fear for their lives.

The conflict was sparked by a combination of factors:

In the years following the conflict, efforts were made to rebuild and reconcile the communities. However, the trauma and pain of the Sampit War continue to be felt, and the incident remains a dark chapter in Indonesian history.

The tensions between the Dayak and Madurese communities in Sampit had been building over several years due to issues related to land rights, economic opportunities, and cultural differences. The situation came to a head in 2000 when a brawl between a Dayak and a Madurese person escalated into a wider conflict.