Indigenous and ethnic Chinese gap

Indigenous and ethnic Chinese gap

After the publication of Masli Arman's article Ethnic Chinese
at fault for riots July 30, a deluge of responses have appeared.
Many were strongly peppered with emotionally charged blasphemy.
In light of this, I have been prompted to voice my opinion in
order to attenuate the polemics on ethnic Chinese. I do not write
for the defense of Mr. Arman and I do not go against the writers
of letters to the editor. I don't know them and have no knowledge
of their background. I simply wish to call on them to put an end
to the polemics because it is a far cry from solving the problem.

Riots, looting and rapes have occurred. The victims were not
only ethnic Chinese but also hundreds of indigenous people burned
alive for nothing. We need not look for a scapegoat to be held
responsible for the riots. The head of the administration
responsible at that time has stepped down. Let's now, both
indigenous and nonindigenous, introspect ourselves so that the
May tragedy will not recur.

It should be noted that many of the indigenous people, who are
mostly from medium to low economic groups, do view the Chinese-
Indonesians, particularly the haves, in the way depicted by Mr.
Arman, namely that they are arrogant and look down on indigenous
people. They think that the ethnic Chinese value everything in
social affairs, in terms of money, and settle every problem with
money. Although this is legally right by the law in terms of the
Eastern culture, it may be hurting. Indeed, some nonindigenous
people are really good and can establish harmonious relationships
with the indigenous people, particularly their peers.

So, let me appeal to Indonesian citizens of Chinese origin
that you demonstrate that you are really good citizens and adhere
to Pancasila. Show that you are not as the indigenous generally
view you. Although you are rich, smart and well-off, please be
considerate. Never show off your luxurious life as this will
cause social envy on the part of the poor and the suffering. Be
considerate about how they feel. You have the right to be treated
in an equal way to the indigenous but then, you also have the
moral obligation to help those who live in difficulty. You are
not supposed only to donate but to help them to be independent in
their businesses and ensure that they will not be very much left
behind. The narrowing of the gap between the indigenous and the
nonindigenous will change the view that the former have of the
latter.

MULYARJO

Surabaya