Sense of insensitivity

As nonindigenous people, the Chinese have suffered physically and psychologically for decades. Not to my surprise, most indigenous people are insensitive to the recent misfortunes befalling fellow citizens of Chinese descent despite the arrogance showed by some irresponsible Chinese, as illustrated by the article Ethnic Chinese at fault for riots by Mr. Masli Arman, July 30.

To the article's writer, please bear in mind that the massacre of hundreds or even thousands of human beings is not excused or tolerated by any of the world's religions. The generalization that all Chinese are arrogant and greedy, and that all indigenous people are dishonest, is simply narrow-minded. Wealthy and powerful people, whatever their race, tend to be arrogant because they think they can control other people by using money and power.

To Mr. Ahmad Sumargono, of the Indonesian Committee for World Moslems Solidarity (Kisdi), please do not worry about news in the Jakarta-Jakarta magazine (Aug. 1). One irresponsible Moslem rapist does not necessarily mean the whole Moslem community is full of rapists.

In response to Mr. Sumarsono Sastrowardoyo's letter of July 29, after much criticism addressed to you, you should instead take deep breaths and do some introspection, otherwise you will be called racist. Some irresponsible Chinese may have made mistakes but, again, this does not mean all Chinese do.

A show of insensitivity can be seen from the government's slow initiation to investigate who instigated the May riots. Mr. Lukman Harun's demand for evidence of gang rapes (July 30), and a statement from the city police that they have received no report so far about the rapes from the victims, means it is the duty of the government and police to find evidence because it is not a delik aduan (cannot investigate without an official report).

Indonesia's image has been tarnished abroad by its continuous violations against human rights. The rapes of hundreds of Chinese women are extreme crimes against one particular race. It is also uncivilized and unjustified. The government and Armed Forces must be responsible. They can start investigations and collect evidence without needing ordinary people to tell them where and when to start. Correct me if I am wrong but they do not have to wait for victims to come forward. Please note that many people still believe that the reports of rapes are just manipulated for the benefit of a certain group.

Statements and condemnations that Chinese fleeing abroad have no sense of nationalism are partly true, but insensitive. The only thing the Chinese community asks from other communities is a little respect toward their rights as citizens. Do not expect too much nationalism from the Chinese as they have been excluded from the communities socially (language and culture) and politically for decades. An insensitive attitude is certainly not nationalism.

SUSANTO

Jakarta