Ethnic jingoism angers, alienates

Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Tolitoli, Central Sulawesi

Tension in a number of regencies in Central Sulawesi is rising as the direct local leadership elections draw near. In Tolitoli regency, Central Sulawesi, candidates have started campaigning even though their candidacies and campaign schedules have yet to be confirmed by the local election commission (KPUD).

Despite the risks, candidates have been inflaming sentiment using the languages of their respective ethnic groups. Azis Bestari, a Golkar Party nominee, for example, has been campaigning in his native Bugis tongue of South Sulawesi, using such emotive words and phrases as ewakko (opponent), toddo Azis Bestari (stab the enemy of Azis Bestari), sirrina Azis Bestari, sirritta to (Azis Bestari's loss is our loss too).

Azis Bestari's use of the Bugis dialect is due to the fact that he is of Bugis descent. He currently heads the South Sulawesi Mutual Assistance association, a Bugis organization in the province.

The Golkar Party nominated him as 70 percent of some 170,000 population of Tolitoli are today of Bugis descent.

However, due to his constant use of his ethic group's language, Azis has gradually lost support from the public at large, not only from native Tolitoli residents, migrants from Manado and Gorontalo, and the ethnic Chinese, but also from some among his native Bugis ethnic group and Makassar natives.

"Tolitoli is not in South Sulawesi but in Central Sulawesi, so Azis Bestari should respect local ways," said Andi Baso, a Bugis community leader living in Tolitoli.

He also expressed fears that the use of the Bugis language and slogans could spark interethnic conflicts among people in Tolitoli. "The use of these slogans is very inconsiderate at a time when people are actively trying to promote a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere," he said.

A Palopo resident in Tolitoli, Nawawi Sang Kilat, told The Jakarta Post that the term ewakko was once used by Bugis people to boost their spirit and morale in the fight against the colonialism. The term was again popularized by HZ Basri Palaguna during his bid to become South Sulawesi governor.

"Pak Palaguna was at that time motivating and boosting the spirit of the residents to rise and fight against backwardness and poverty. The term regained its popularity at that time," said Nawawi, a former Central Sulawesi local legislator.

According to Nawawi, it is highly inappropriate for candidates to use such terms to attract public support as they could be misinterpreted. "The people of Tolitoli could construe these erroneously and this could trigger conflict," said Nawawi.

Central Sulawesi socio-cultural observer Tasfir Siara reminded the candidates running for the posts of regental chief executives in the province, including those in Tolitoli, to engage in peaceful campaigns and respect differences. The using of emotive ethnic slogans should be avoided.

"Why don't we encourage a multicultural atmosphere during campaigning. This could serve to attract support for the respective candidates," said Tasrif.

He warned candidates and the public in general to learn from past mistakes, such as the Poso conflict, which was triggered by political maneuvering and disrespect for ethnic and religious differences. "The Poso conflict started with a power struggle. We must not allow this to be repeated," he said.

Separately, Azis Bestari said that he did not intend the use of ethnic slogans to pit Bugis against Tolitoli residents. He claimed that he had decided to use the Bugis language solely for the purpose of winning the support of the Bugis voters in Tolitoli regency.