An irony<\/p>\n
Our congratulations to Indonesia's Thomas Cup team with their
\nvictory in Hong Kong on May 24. The red and white flag was
\nhoisted, the national anthem Indonesia Raya was played, the
\nathletes, the coaches and the organizers hugged each other. The
\nscene was familiar to us. However, this time we watched and stood
\nstock-still in puzzlement. This was one of the rare moments when
\nIndonesian people were really united without a reference to
\n\"ethnic Chinese\" being made.<\/p>\n
It was ironic that at a time when looting and discriminatory
\nacts had just passed, the athletes, mostly ethnic Chinese, had
\njust struggled for the nation. Is it only at such moments that
\nthe ethnic Chinese are part of the nation?<\/p>\n
On the one hand, we have acknowledged Indonesia as our
\nbirthplace, our residence and our home. On the other, the
\nattitude of the government and other citizens is sometimes more
\nthan apathetic. This makes us think again about whether Indonesia
\nreally is our country too.<\/p>\n
The question is: how long will the \"exclusive\" treatment apply
\nto ethnic Chinese? (We do not like the term.) It is undeniable
\nthat our neighboring countries have been more successful in the
\nassimilation of their citizens. If we really are part of the body
\nof this nation, as averred by Amien Rais, give us the chance to
\nplay an active role in this body. A missing body part or the
\namputation of a body part will result in deformity. Is it not so,
\nPak Amien?<\/p>\n
We only want a country that also wants us. Is it impossible?
\nWe are indeed Chinese-Indonesians. What is wrong with that?<\/p>\n
Witnessing the emotional atmosphere of the victory of the
\nIndonesian Thomas Cup team, we felt the irony of it all.<\/p>\n
TEN STUDENTS<\/p>\n
of Pro-reform,<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/an-irony-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }