Exclusivism must be avoided

Exclusivism must be avoided

A full-page advertisement was placed by PT Asuransi AIA
Indonesia (an Insurance company) in Kompas on May 24, 2000, which
has invoked a sense of nationalism and togetherness among
Indonesian citizens. The ad contained photographs of staff
members and managers of the company receiving various awards.

When I looked at the pictures carefully, I realized that they
were all Chinese-Indonesians. I wondered whether all the
executives of the company were of Chinese descent. Or perhaps
there were also non-Chinese, but they were not good achievers.
Looking at the ad I had an impression as if we were living in
Taipei, or Hong Kong, or Singapore, in which the majority of the
population were Chinese.

It is the right of a company to recruit one particular
ethnicity as there is no law prohibiting such practice.
But if such case is allowed to continue, exclusivism would be
hard to avoid, which in turn would create unfavorable climate to
foster "true Indonesian unity". On the contrary, it would nourish
the spirit of primordialism in various circles and groups. This
condition will become a time bomb that can explode any time when
triggered by provocateurs. And the result will be terrible.
Harmonious relationship among different ethnicities would be a
rarity.

It would be wise if every particular ethnic group is willing
to make a "sacrifice" by giving an opportunity to other ethnic
group to join in the company not without duly requirements. This
will ensure "smoother" and peaceful assimilation among different
ethnic groups and hence racialist actions initiated by whichever
side can be curbed.

H. WISDARMANTO GS

Jakarta