Misperception on ethnic Chinese

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