Reform in attitude

Chinese-Indonesians are often blamed for an assortment of things and become the scapegoats whenever anything goes wrong. They are the easiest target because they are a minority. In normal circumstances, the not so kind sentiment toward the ethnic Chinese remains hidden. But in a difficult situation where life becomes increasingly hard and people get frustrated, the hatred, prejudice and jealousy that normally stays buried in many native Indonesians start coming to the surface and run wild without control.

I agree with Peter Fanning's comments in his letter of June 4. The media should wisely create an atmosphere of unity and understanding among ethnic groups instead of encouraging biased sentiments to develop.

Ethnic Chinese as well as any other ethnic groups that make up the Indonesian population deserve legal protection. Every citizen has the right to have a sense of security in the country where he/she lives. When ethnic Chinese find themselves being victimized, and their physical safety being threatened and endangered, they have every right to flee to save their lives. It is logical as well as in accordance with human rights.

Or is the horrible scene of ethnic Chinese being helplessly victimized, neglected, having their achievements of a lifetime and hard work destroyed, their shops and houses looted and burned down, is that what people would like to see?

No matter what justification a person seems to think there may be, it is very indecent and incorrect for us to allow or tolerate any violent actions against innocent people.

In a time of crisis, blaming each other will only make the country even more vulnerable. While everyone seems to be calling for reform in every aspect, will there be any room for reform in the attitude toward and treatment of the ethnic Chinese minority here?

JENNY LAURITZ KHOENG

Jakarta