Feeling victimized

Feeling victimized

Regarding Sumarsono Sastrowardoyo's letter on June 12, 1998, The Jakarta Post entitled: Feeling victimized, it is clear that despite the many reactions of other readers towards his letters, and the reports of atrocities committed against the Indonesian Chinese, Mr. Sumarsono still insists that it is the Indonesian Chinese that are the ones at fault. In his own words: " ... always feel right, not being committed, disliking criticism..." He also said that the Indonesian Chinese should be willing to admit past mistakes and support the current reform movement by a willingness to take risks.

Now let me ask Mr. Sumarsono, how do you expect the Indonesian Chinese to stay here and "take risks" when the barbaric gangs are going to destroy their homes, kill them and gang rape their wife, children? Will you, Mr. Sumarsono, take that kind of risks yourself if you are in a similar position?

And can Mrs. Sumarsono please explain what wrongs the Indonesian Chinese have done? What is wrong with people who open shops, work hard so that they can take care of their families just like you do? Don't just point fingers, show us your reasons, man!

As for those who said that the Indonesian Chinese have done nothing for Indonesia, despite the fact businesses own by the Indonesian Chinese provide employment and a means of income for many Indonesians, do you want the Indonesian Chinese to give up such businesses, sink into poverty, and turn to begging, robbery, looting and burning shops before you are satisfied? Is this the type of "contribution" you want the Indonesian Chinese to give?

ROCHILI S.

Jakarta