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