Assimilation

From Neraca

The problem of the indigenous and nonindigenous part of the population, mainly ethnic Chinese, recently surfaced again.

Actually nonindigenous Indonesians do not consist of ethnic Chinese only. There are ethnic Arabs, ethnic Indians, etc.. The obvious difference in community life is that the nonindigenous population -- other than the ethnic Chinese -- can more easily intermingle and assimilate in the community, and seek to resemble other members of the community. Many among the ethnic Chinese, on the other hand, have apparently not done so.

The government does not need to give special protection to the ethnic Chinese. It would only create another difference.

The way out of the difference is the will of the ethnic Chinese themselves to live as part of the community. The changes to be made by the ethnic Chinese are, among other things:

1. To intermingle/assimilate with the community.

2. In public places they must use the Indonesian language, not Mandarin or English.

3. Not to live in their own groups, like housing complexes inhabited by Chinese residents.

4. Not to think that all matters can be settled with money only.

5. To appreciate other cultures and religions. For example, nightclub owners should not wait for government regulations in the fasting month or on religious holidays, to change the hours of operations. They should take their own initiative.

6. Other things connected with community life, for the sake of unity.

I have had in my employ ethnic Chinese for more than six years and have had no problems. They do their work well without there being a feeling of differences in origin. There is full trust that we are all people of the Republic of Indonesia without any differences.

LUTFI HEYDER

Jakarta