Misperception on ethnic Chinese

Demands for reform in all fields are being yelled out everywhere. I would like to suggest the reformers reform the misleading perception toward ethnic Chinese. It is common knowledge that some Indonesians relate the majority of Chinese- Indonesians who were born in this country with riches. This perception, which is not correct, will hurt national unity and have a bad impact on the county's development.

The recent riots which were followed by burning business centers where many Chinese-Indonesians earned their living is a good example. These businesses were started from the ground up, with round-the-clock toiling and perspiration. Why must this happen? The masterminds who steered the mobs might be laughing in glee, leaving innocent victims in a state of trauma and bankruptcy.

Let's be sensible. Why must the ethnic Chinese be disliked and targeted in any social unrest here? What has gone wrong with our logical thinking? We agree that there are some Chinese businesspeople looting the country by manipulating the power of their Indonesian partners. Aren't there many other people who earn their living honestly, without any connection to government officers, paying their taxes and providing employment?

These people, realizing the hardship faced by other Indonesians due to the economic turmoil, organized the cheap sale of packages of staple foods. They donated their blood to the Red Cross when there was a dengue fever epidemic.

It should also be realized that there are many ethnic Chinese working as public transportation drivers, street vendors or even beggars. Like their Indonesian brothers, sky-rocketing living expenses gave them an extremely hard burden.

If there are ethnic Chinese making their way by violating the law, let them be severely punished. Ethnic Chinese are not equated with richness. This misleading perception is harmful to national unity and stability.

BONO ANGGONO

Jakarta