Discriminating treatment

Discriminating treatment

From Sinar

The person who is subjected to the most severe discrimination
is probably the one who is regarded as "socially unclean." Being
"socially unclean" means that the person is either directly
involved in the G-30-S/PKI movement, or a member of the banned
party, or its social organizations. Also a person is considered
"socially unclean" if his parents or father-in-law are related to
the banned communist party.

Such a person undergoes severely discriminating treatment. It
is difficult for him as well as his relatives to get a job. He
may even become an outcast in society.

Also a person who is alleged to have been involved in the
communist abortive coup is subjected to deprivation. Djadjang
Kurniadi, for example, is relieved from his post as chairman of
the Indonesian Democratic Party of West Java Chapter as he was
allegedly involved in the communist movement. His children are
ridiculed by their friends.

Indonesia has been independent for almost 50 years, and the G-
30-S/PKI abortive coup attempt was 30 years ago. So it is time we
forgot about the tragedy and accept and forgive those who are
"socially unclean."

Could we possibly do away with the allegations of "socially
clean/unclean"? And also the document certifying that someone is
"socially clean" should no longer be required. World communism is
on the threshold of destruction. And Indonesia has resumed its
diplomatic relation with China. Both Islam and Christianity teach
us not to be prejudicial. Instead we should strengthen our unity
by agreeing to be different.

Y.P. YAHYA WIRAWAN

Semarang, Central Java