Don't use the word 'Chinese'

Don't use the word 'Chinese'

From Pikiran Rakyat

Allow me to express my disapproval to the Chinese-Indonesian Reform Party, which is one of the many new parties springing up everywhere.

As an Indonesian of Chinese descent, I don't think the party reflects the aspirations of Indonesians of Chinese descent. The establishment of this party causes apprehension and contradicts the principle of national unity and assimilation as expressed in the state's motto of Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

The people who established this party have carelessly adopted the name of an ethnic group, something which may lead to national schism.

I propose that the party change its name to something that does not contain the elements of tribal affiliations, religion, race or societal groups (SARA).

I agree to the idea of a party being set up by Indonesians of Chinese descent, but the name of the party should not contain any SARA elements.

The name of the party should be in tune with the spirit of reform, national unity, the 1945 Constitution, Pancasila and the Youth Pledge.

We should be united in building a strong national unity and in realizing justice and prosperity now and in the future.

KOSASIH

Bandung, West Java