Successive riots: Why?<\/p>\n
The recent Tasikmalaya riots are regrettable, because the
\noutburst seems rife with racist and sectarian motives.<\/p>\n
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, and
\nour national leaders are sad and confused. How could these
\ntragedies happen in a Pancasila society which upholds the motto:
\n\"Unity in Diversity\"? It has become obvious the riots were
\ndirected against Chinese and non-Moslems.<\/p>\n
Some sociologists believe social injustice and social
\ndisparity cause riots. The people feel the Chinese are in a
\nfavorable economic position, and that many Indonesian officials
\n-- intentionally or unintentionally -- have helped create a
\nsituation where around four percent of Indonesian Chinese control
\nalmost 70 percent of the national economy.<\/p>\n
Only a small spark was needed to start these riots. This issue
\nis popularly called a pribumi (indigenous peoples) and non-
\npribumi (non-indigenous peoples) affair. On the surface it looks
\nlike an economic issue, but there is more than that; perhaps it
\nis an issue of national integration.<\/p>\n
In his state address way back on Aug. 16, 1967, the President
\nsaid: \"To the whole nation I appeal not to be trapped into
\nactivities which might lead to racialism. We must draw a clear
\nline between Chinese with foreign nationality and Indonesian
\ncitizens of Chinese descent, who have the same position, rights
\nand obligations as their fellow Indonesians. We must avoid
\ndiscriminatory treatment against them. On the other hand, the
\nIndonesian citizens of Chinese descent should not postpone much
\nlonger steps to integrate and assimilate.\"<\/p>\n
The Tasikmalaya riots were clearly directed against non-
\nMoslems, burning and damaging churches, giving a poor image of
\nIndonesia to foreign countries. Some time ago we read Indonesia
\nwas an excellent example of religious tolerance; we should keep
\nit this way, because religion paired with uncontrolled fanaticism
\ncan bring disaster.<\/p>\n
Religion is something we must feel with our heart and with
\nfull conviction. The President said in his address before a
\ncombined conference of religions on Nov. 30, 1967 that \"the
\nGovernment has the obligation to guarantee the right of every
\ncitizen to embrace religion of their choice and to perform their
\nreligious rites.\"<\/p>\n
Surat No. 19 of the Koran says: \"To you be your way, to me
\nmine.\" Surat No. 2 verse 256 says: \"Let there be no compulsion in
\nreligion. Truth stands out clear from error.\"<\/p>\n
We have learned many bitter lessons from history. We must do
\nour best to avoid recurrence of the same mistakes and troubles.
\nLet us think and act constructively. If you have a difference of
\nopinion, discuss it so the problem can be solved in the best
\npossible way. Refrain from the use of force, as it will invite
\nthe government to take strong actions to maintain law and order.<\/p>\n
I would like to conclude this letter by quoting House Speaker
\nWahono: \"Perhaps these (violent incidents) were a manifestation
\nof people's frustration. People could not control their emotion
\non seeing that their leaders's conduct fell short of their
\nexpectations.\"<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/successive-riots-why-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }