Wounding the spirit of humanity<\/p>\n
Christine Susanna Tjhin, Ulung Rusman and Ilma Sovri Yanti,
\nMedan<\/p>\n
The compassionate appeal made by Jusuf Wanandi to all citizens,
\nparticularly Chinese-Indonesians, to help Aceh and Indonesia
\ncannot be emphasized enough (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 4).<\/p>\n
The caution to dismiss politics in the long-term handling of
\nhumanitarian aid goes hand in hand with the urgent need and grim
\nfuture of the tsunami victims and refugees.<\/p>\n
The opportunity for reconciliation may be in peril because of
\nracial and religious prejudices, if you believe the rumors
\ncirculating around Aceh, Jakarta and beyond. Based on our
\nobservations in the field, there are several major issues that
\ncould cause conflict. At stake is not only the rehabilitation of
\nAceh, but also the very foundation of Indonesian unity.<\/p>\n
False stories about looting, burning and rape targeting the
\nethnic Chinese in Aceh, the abuse of religious minorities and
\nother rumors have been circulating via email and SMS. Some people
\nresponded to these ridiculous rumors by calling for a stop to all
\nhumanitarian aid from and to specific ethnic and religious
\ngroups.<\/p>\n
Our volunteers who have returned from Banda Aceh and those
\nliving in refugee camps in Medan have confirmed that these rumors
\nare baseless. The few instances of looting were carried out by
\nhungry and desperate people. They did not target the ethnic
\nChinese and involved individuals rather than collectives --
\nunlike the May 1998 riots.<\/p>\n
We must understand the horrific situation in Aceh, where
\nvictims and refugees are in great pain and hunger.<\/p>\n
Thus, any call to halt humanitarian aid is an inhumane act and
\nbeyond shameful. Religious and community leaders must act to
\ncounter the rumors to enable all of us to focus on the
\norganization and distribution of much needed aid.<\/p>\n
Another concern is the discovery of a leaflet at the Banda
\nAceh airport, allegedly printed by a political party and
\ndiscussing the adoption of Acehnese orphans. The leaflet urges
\nthe Acehnese not to allow adoptions by \"infidels (kafir),
\nChristians or missionaries\".<\/p>\n
This shocking discovery occurred during the heated debate over
\nmissing orphans from refugee camps and the paranoia over
\nChristian missionaries trying to convert Muslims. The political
\nparty itself has denied any involvement in the pamphlet.<\/p>\n
Foreign aid and volunteers are also prone to such rumors and
\ndistrust. One foreign foundation that opened one of the largest
\nrelief camps in Banda Aceh was rumored to be exclusive and
\ndisliked by surrounding camps.<\/p>\n
During a live television show, a male caller blurted out,
\n\"Don't let those foreigners come to Aceh. Indonesia is a big
\nnation; we can handle this situation without any interference.\"
\nThis statement is absurd, and shows how distant his understanding
\nis from the distressing reality in the field.<\/p>\n
Had it not been for foreign aid, it is doubtful many of the
\nvictims would have received any help in the immediate aftermath
\nof the tragedy.<\/p>\n
In times of such great distress, how can we allow such
\ncallous and short-sight attitudes to obstruct the spirit of
\nhumanity? Such paranoia and distrust are hurting the spirit of
\nhumanity that has developed naturally during this tragedy.<\/p>\n
Our energy must be focused on the humanitarian aid process,
\nnot the politicalization of ethnic and\/or religious identities.
\nWe must do whatever it takes to return the focus to helping all
\nof the victims.<\/p>\n
The presence of numerous volunteer teams is concrete proof of
\nthe power of diversity. These teams have only one thing in mind:
\nto help the victims of this tragedy. These multicultural groups
\nare rebuilding Aceh and reconstructing Indonesia. This is the new
\nnationalism that we crave. This is our Indonesian reconciliation.<\/p>\n
Christine Susanna Tjhin is currently a volunteer with the
\nIndonesian Pluralism Institute (IPI) and Ilma Sovri Yanti is the
\ncoordinator of IPI's volunteer team. Ulung Rusman is the
\nvolunteer coordinator of the Chinese Indonesian Association. They
\nare now temporarily based in Medan.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/wounding-the-spirit-of-humanity-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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