Racial ill-will

I think it is important for Indonesia to understand how and why the appalling riots of mid-May came to pass. And an informed debate on the subject is welcome. Masli Arman's contribution, Ethnic Chinese at fault for riots, July 30, however, is most unwelcome, as it is a distorted and incoherent effusion that offers nothing but a window into the prejudiced and chaotic mind of the author.

It is hard to know where to start in refuting Mr. Arman's article, such is its rambling and disjointed nature. Broadly, though, Mr. Arman blamed the riots on Chinese arrogance, and trotted out three or four and isolated examples of discord between Chinese-Indonesians and indigenous Indonesians which had led to violence. It is true that such incidents may have triggered mass violence. But Mr. Arman ups the ante to a dangerous level when he suggests that this makes the riots the fault of the Chinese. This is akin to blaming rape on women who wear mini skirts. Even more sinister, though, is the implication that the widespread atrocities committed against the Chinese are a reasonable response to the isolated abuses and insults he cites.

The Jakarta Post should not have given such prominence to Mr. Arman's detestable views. The article contributed nothing to a better understanding of a complex issue, and served only to heighten racial ill-will. I hope that the Post will show better judgment in future.

RODERICK BRAZIER

Jakarta