Racial issue<\/p>\n
Readers' responses to Mr. Masli Arman's article (July 30) are
\nvery encouraging. Indonesians starting to discuss and debate
\nvarious issues regarding indigenous-ethic Chinese relationships.
\nGuided by The Jakarta Post's editorial skill, the exchange will
\nsomehow reach a point where these Indonesians will find a
\nmusyawarah (consultations to reach unanimity), their very own way
\nof negotiating a dispute.<\/p>\n
If Mr. Zatni Arbi is no longer offended by words like Padang
\nBengkok (unscrupulous Padang people) in Your Letters, July 31, I
\nam sure dasar Cina (typically Chinese) or typically pribumi (Your
\nLetters, June 23) will become a thing of the past.<\/p>\n
People may not agree with Mr. Arman's views in his article,
\nbut he too has a right to his opinion. Democracy works both ways.
\nOther Indonesians may even take this opportunity to explain to
\nhim (as Mr. Arbi did) the way things should be for a better
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
But what is misplaced is Mr. Dean Boulding's Demeaning article
\n(July 31) on Mr. Arman's view which instructed the Post not to
\npublish any more such articles.<\/p>\n
During this time when the spirit of reform is at its peak,
\nthis fellow wants to go back to the era where Indonesians should
\nonly speak what the powerful people want to hear. I say, this is
\nridiculous. Given the power, I believe Mr. Boulding would kidnap
\nand shoot people who speak against him.<\/p>\n
PONG C. POLICAR<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/racial-issue-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }