Ethnic jingoism angers, alienates<\/p>\n
Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Tolitoli, Central Sulawesi<\/p>\n
Tension in a number of regencies in Central Sulawesi is rising as
\nthe direct local leadership elections draw near. In Tolitoli
\nregency, Central Sulawesi, candidates have started campaigning
\neven though their candidacies and campaign schedules have yet to
\nbe confirmed by the local election commission (KPUD).<\/p>\n
Despite the risks, candidates have been inflaming sentiment
\nusing the languages of their respective ethnic groups. Azis
\nBestari, a Golkar Party nominee, for example, has been
\ncampaigning in his native Bugis tongue of South Sulawesi, using
\nsuch emotive words and phrases as ewakko (opponent), toddo Azis
\nBestari (stab the enemy of Azis Bestari), sirrina Azis Bestari,
\nsirritta to (Azis Bestari's loss is our loss too).<\/p>\n
Azis Bestari's use of the Bugis dialect is due to the fact
\nthat he is of Bugis descent. He currently heads the South
\nSulawesi Mutual Assistance association, a Bugis organization in
\nthe province.<\/p>\n
The Golkar Party nominated him as 70 percent of some 170,000
\npopulation of Tolitoli are today of Bugis descent.<\/p>\n
However, due to his constant use of his ethic group's
\nlanguage, Azis has gradually lost support from the public at
\nlarge, not only from native Tolitoli residents, migrants from
\nManado and Gorontalo, and the ethnic Chinese, but also from some
\namong his native Bugis ethnic group and Makassar natives.<\/p>\n
\"Tolitoli is not in South Sulawesi but in Central Sulawesi, so
\nAzis Bestari should respect local ways,\" said Andi Baso, a Bugis
\ncommunity leader living in Tolitoli.<\/p>\n
He also expressed fears that the use of the Bugis language and
\nslogans could spark interethnic conflicts among people in
\nTolitoli. \"The use of these slogans is very inconsiderate at a
\ntime when people are actively trying to promote a peaceful and
\nharmonious atmosphere,\" he said.<\/p>\n
A Palopo resident in Tolitoli, Nawawi Sang Kilat, told The
\nJakarta Post that the term ewakko was once used by Bugis people
\nto boost their spirit and morale in the fight against the
\ncolonialism. The term was again popularized by HZ Basri Palaguna
\nduring his bid to become South Sulawesi governor.<\/p>\n
\"Pak Palaguna was at that time motivating and boosting the
\nspirit of the residents to rise and fight against backwardness
\nand poverty. The term regained its popularity at that time,\" said
\nNawawi, a former Central Sulawesi local legislator.<\/p>\n
According to Nawawi, it is highly inappropriate for candidates
\nto use such terms to attract public support as they could be
\nmisinterpreted. \"The people of Tolitoli could construe these
\nerroneously and this could trigger conflict,\" said Nawawi.<\/p>\n
Central Sulawesi socio-cultural observer Tasfir Siara reminded
\nthe candidates running for the posts of regental chief executives
\nin the province, including those in Tolitoli, to engage in
\npeaceful campaigns and respect differences. The using of emotive
\nethnic slogans should be avoided.<\/p>\n
\"Why don't we encourage a multicultural atmosphere during
\ncampaigning. This could serve to attract support for the
\nrespective candidates,\" said Tasrif.<\/p>\n
He warned candidates and the public in general to learn from
\npast mistakes, such as the Poso conflict, which was triggered by
\npolitical maneuvering and disrespect for ethnic and religious
\ndifferences. \"The Poso conflict started with a power struggle. We
\nmust not allow this to be repeated,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Separately, Azis Bestari said that he did not intend the use
\nof ethnic slogans to pit Bugis against Tolitoli residents. He
\nclaimed that he had decided to use the Bugis language solely for
\nthe purpose of winning the support of the Bugis voters in
\nTolitoli regency.<\/p>",
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