Chinese-Indonesians can now serve the country better

In front of Indonesians of Chinese descent during Imlek (Chinese New Year) celebrations in Jakarta last Sunday, President Megawati Soekarnoputri said: "For the sake of solidarity of the nation, I hereby declare Imlek a national holiday."

Her announcement was greeted by an ovation by around 2,000 Chinese-Indonesians attending the event. The enthusiastic response reverberated throughout the ethnic Chinese community in the country, and likewise the entire people responded positively to the announcement.

The journey of such recognition has been a long and a tedious one. The recognition commenced by former president Abdurrahman Wahid and now finalized by President Megawati indicates our progressive step in completing the "Beautiful Garden of Indonesia".

It is only logical that Chinese-Indonesians were relieved by the announcement, which now makes them feel recognized as complete Indonesian citizens.

In accordance with the reform agenda, the government should thoroughly examine all policies and regulations that discriminate against this particular community.

We hope their sense of political awareness along with its related responsibilities and contributions will not subside halfway in the future. Through political participation, together we should all sincerely strive to achieve progress, justice and prosperity in our country.

We now share the honor, responsibility and obligation with Indonesians of Chinese descent, especially those in the business sector.

Honor brings with it responsibility, while trust carries commitment. The honor and responsibility should not only apply to the economic sector, but also to their daily activities as Indonesia's citizens with fuller rights and obligations.

-- Kompas, Jakarta