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