Cultural freedom for ethnic Chinese

Cultural freedom for ethnic Chinese

I fully support the idea of Indonesia ratifying an
international convention on the legal protection of and equal
rights for ethnic minorities. In fact, without waiting for
Indonesia's ratification of this convention, Habibie's
administration should issue a regulation granting cultural
freedom to the ethnic Chinese and revoking all prohibitions
imposed on them. With the enforcement of such a regulation:

1. Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia will be able to use their Chinese
names (such as Sie Beng Tat).

2. Chinese lessons may again be taught at private Chinese schools
without a special permit from the government and publication in
Chinese characters resume.

3. Private Chinese schools may be set up.

4. The Chinese New Year and other festivities peculiar to the
ethnic Chinese may again be celebrated. The Lion Dance and other
Chinese cultural pieces, including Chinese music, may again be
performed.

5. Chinese Indonesians no longer need to show evidence of their
Indonesian citizenship to the bureaucracy for administrative
purposes. Their residential identity card will be sufficient for
this purpose.

6. Chinese names and Chinese characters may be used for the names
of companies and shops, in addition to Indonesian names and Roman
letters.

In short, the ethnic Chinese will be granted cultural freedom
and legal treatment equal to other Indonesian citizens. There
will be no longer any restriction on ethnic Chinese children
attending state schools and universities. Indonesian citizens of
Chinese origin will be allowed to assume any governmental
positions and also to join the Indonesian Armed Forces without
any restrictions. They may join any sector of the civil service.

As for assimilation, religious beliefs and other matters, this
will be left to the decision of individuals. Coercion and
restrictions will no longer be employed. And Confucianism will be
recognized as a religion in Indonesia.

The same thing should certainly be the case for Indonesian
citizens of other origins living in Indonesia. There must be
equal rights for citizens in all aspects of life.

SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO

Jakarta