Change from within first

Change from within first

From Republika

Articles on Chinese-Indonesians recently published in Warta Kota daily suggest that Indonesian citizens of Chinese descent are still subject to discrimination in this country. As an example, they receive different treatment in processing documents like identity cards, birth and marriage certificates.

In fact, the government from the period of BJ Habibie to the term of Abdurrahman Wahid improved the various regulations concerning Chinese-Indonesians. The regulation that requires them to possess certificates of Indonesian citizenship is due to be annulled by President Megawati, with the support of legislators.

On the other hand, I have some concern because many of them also practice discrimination against indigenous citizens in various business sectors. Let us hope we can learn from the bitter experience of discrimination and live together to build our nation amid its diverse ethnic groups, cultures and religions.

One thing we should remember is the that before asking others to make changes for the better, it is wise for us to make such changes on our part first.

A. RIYADI Jakarta