Assimilation problems

Assimilation problems

From Media Indonesia

Many of our citizens live in harmony respecting each other
despite differences in ethnicity, religion and race. But
conflicts still occur.

I believe that differences, including marriage, should not
govern our lives. But I have collided with a government
regulation.

My parents are categorized as Indonesian citizens of foreign
origin. Consequently I fall into the same category. I have
virtually no knowledge of my foreign origins. I only know
Indonesia. But with my birth certificate there is the so-called
K1 form which I do not find with indigenous Indonesians.

Now I wish to marry an indigenous Indonesian with a religion
different from mine. Here I also receive different treatment
because there are two institutions which register marriages
according to law. I must register at the Registry Office because
I am a non-Moslem, while my prospective wife must report to the
Office of Religious Affairs (KUA). My marriage has now been
postponed indefinitely.

If the government had only one institution to record marriages
legally, I would not have any problem. I believe many fellow
citizens are experiencing the same problem.

It is my wish that the differences in the treatment of
citizens, both indigenous and of foreign extraction, will be
gradually reduced alongside the endeavors toward assimilation.

SUGALA

Jakarta