Chinese-Indonesians can now serve the country better

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