Real Indonesians<\/p>\n
Reading the letters on "racism in Indonesia" in response to
\nArief Budiman's article, I would like to comment.<\/p>\n
I, as an Indonesian citizen since 1945, while not wanting to
\njoin the rather futile fray, cannot help observing that while
\nArief Budiman appeared to know all the regulations, decrees and
\naffirmative actions pertaining to the controversial matter --
\nespecially their aspects that could be denounced as racist -- it
\nis surprising (or is it?) that he seemed to be oblivious to the
\nstrategy and long term goal of the regulations.<\/p>\n
Not ignorant of their history, he should know that all people
\nof Chinese origin at one time had the free choice either to
\nbecome Indonesian citizens (WNI) or remain Chinese (WNA). Once
\nthey opted for the first choice the government wanted them to
\nbecome real Indonesians, if not instantly, gradually.<\/p>\n
The regulations cited by Arief Budiman are clearly aimed at
\neasing the process towards the effectuation of that goal, and, at
\nthe same time, alleviating social gaps and precluding frictions
\nresulting from still existing cultural and economic disparities
\nwhich have to be solved for the sake of national harmony.<\/p>\n
On Arief Budiman's American examples, I would like to remind
\nhim of the "Nisei" problem at the beginning of the Pacific War.<\/p>\n
R. SUNARYO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/real-indonesians-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }