On immigrants

When I came to The Netherlands in 1970 to study, Europe was rich. Salaries were rising and those who preferred not to work received social welfare so that they could still have a decent living.

People from Turkey, Greece and the African states were imported as guest laborers to do the manual jobs. It was a necessity.

Last year I visited The Netherlands again, I saw that after 31 years the children of the immigrants had become professionals, having a good command of the Dutch language. They were able to make a place for themselves in Dutch society. Meanwhile, others make a living in the cheap Turkish Sunday markets that attract so many shoppers.

Now comes the anti-immigrant party of Pim Fortuin. Previously in other countries, notably France and Germany, groups of Le Pen supporters and skinheads reacted violently against the flood of immigrants. Race riots even flared up in England.

Closer to home, Indonesian job seekers in Malaysia have been expelled from the country, while in Australia, Howard and Hanson are of one voice. And don't forget Spate, who tried in vain to reverse the historic role of Indian immigrants on his island, where the Indians dominate the economy.

Actually the problem of immigrants dates back several centuries. In America, the country of immigrants, the original inhabitants, the Red Indians, slaughtered the early white immigrants and since then the different racial groups have been trying to establish themselves as the rightful owners of the country.

The latest victims have been the Arab Americans. In Indonesia, since 1740 when thousands of Chinese were killed by the Dutch, attacking the Chinese has become a regular event, the latest being in 1998.

People behave like dogs in defending their territory with all their might. Is it not shameful?

SUMARSONO SASTROWARDOYO

Jakarta