Real Indonesians

Reading the letters on "racism in Indonesia" in response to Arief Budiman's article, I would like to comment.

I, as an Indonesian citizen since 1945, while not wanting to join the rather futile fray, cannot help observing that while Arief Budiman appeared to know all the regulations, decrees and affirmative actions pertaining to the controversial matter -- especially their aspects that could be denounced as racist -- it is surprising (or is it?) that he seemed to be oblivious to the strategy and long term goal of the regulations.

Not ignorant of their history, he should know that all people of Chinese origin at one time had the free choice either to become Indonesian citizens (WNI) or remain Chinese (WNA). Once they opted for the first choice the government wanted them to become real Indonesians, if not instantly, gradually.

The regulations cited by Arief Budiman are clearly aimed at easing the process towards the effectuation of that goal, and, at the same time, alleviating social gaps and precluding frictions resulting from still existing cultural and economic disparities which have to be solved for the sake of national harmony.

On Arief Budiman's American examples, I would like to remind him of the "Nisei" problem at the beginning of the Pacific War.

R. SUNARYO

Jakarta