Chinese-Indonesians in the MPR

Chinese-Indonesians in the MPR

From Warta Kota

It is quite natural that 65 seats to be given to groups representing the interest group faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) have become objects of competition among mass organizations. But the debate continues concerning the need for Chinese-Indonesians to have a representative in the MPR. One side is of the opinion that this particular ethnic group, always regarded as a minority, needs to have a representative who will lobby and struggle for its interests and aspirations.

On the other hand, some circles view that there is no need for Chinese-Indonesians to be represented in the MPR on the grounds that they have assimilated with indigenous people, and thus, they are on equal footing with the country's other citizens, and this enables them to freely join any political party to get their political aspirations accommodated.

In my opinion, the problem does not concern majority and minority, but it does concern the seriousness of the citizens in their devotion to the country and nation. So whoever the group's representative is, and from whatever ethnicity he or she comes, this should be seen from the point of view of national interest.

It should be admitted, though, that Chinese-Indonesians engaged in politics and in the government bureaucracy are few and far between. Most of them are businesspeople by profession and economy is their main area. That is why it would be fair to have Chinese-Indonesians in the MPR to participate in the policy- making process.

SUGIONO

Jakarta