Assimilation

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