This paper presents a mixed methods research study examining the impact of a large participatory development project, the Kecamatan Development Project (KDP), on local conflict management in rural Indonesia. The study aims to understand the trajectories of local conflicts, the factors influencing their resolution or escalation, and the role of KDP in these processes. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the research integrates in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between KDP and conflict. The qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, were used to explore the dynamics and trajectories of local conflicts, identify key mechanisms, and understand the processes within KDP. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and secondary data analysis, were employed to establish generality and causality, capturing broader trends and isolating the impacts of KDP from other factors. The research design involved a quantitative sampling frame to select sites for qualitative investigation, ensuring heterogeneity and reliability. Two provinces (East Java and NTT) and two districts (one high and one low capacity) were chosen for each province. Within these districts, similar KDP and non-KDP sub-districts were matched to control for non-program effects. The study also selected specific conflict cases to compare outcomes and explore the role of KDP. The research faced challenges, including the need for adaptability due to unexpected events and the importance of extensive training and engagement of the research team. The study concludes by offering lessons and suggestions for others conducting large-scale mixed methods research on complex issues, emphasizing the importance of context-specific adaptations and the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches.This paper presents a mixed methods research study examining the impact of a large participatory development project, the Kecamatan Development Project (KDP), on local conflict management in rural Indonesia. The study aims to understand the trajectories of local conflicts, the factors influencing their resolution or escalation, and the role of KDP in these processes. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the research integrates in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between KDP and conflict. The qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, were used to explore the dynamics and trajectories of local conflicts, identify key mechanisms, and understand the processes within KDP. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and secondary data analysis, were employed to establish generality and causality, capturing broader trends and isolating the impacts of KDP from other factors. The research design involved a quantitative sampling frame to select sites for qualitative investigation, ensuring heterogeneity and reliability. Two provinces (East Java and NTT) and two districts (one high and one low capacity) were chosen for each province. Within these districts, similar KDP and non-KDP sub-districts were matched to control for non-program effects. The study also selected specific conflict cases to compare outcomes and explore the role of KDP. The research faced challenges, including the need for adaptability due to unexpected events and the importance of extensive training and engagement of the research team. The study concludes by offering lessons and suggestions for others conducting large-scale mixed methods research on complex issues, emphasizing the importance of context-specific adaptations and the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches.