Pada tanggal 18 Februari 2001, sekelompok orang Madura yang dipimpin oleh Warsidi, seorang tokoh masyarakat Madura, melakukan aksi protes terhadap pemerintah daerah yang dianggap tidak memperhatikan aspirasi mereka. Namun, aksi protes ini berubah menjadi kekerasan ketika sekelompok orang Dayak menyerang kelompok Madura.
Historically, tensions between the Dayak and Madura communities have been present, fueled by differences in culture, economy, and politics. The Dayak, traditionally reliant on agriculture and hunting, felt threatened by the Madura's expansion into the region, which they perceived as encroaching on their ancestral lands. The Madura, known for their entrepreneurial spirit and agricultural expertise, were seen as outsiders by the Dayak, leading to resentment and mistrust. video asli perang sampit dayak vs madura best