Successive riots: Why?

Successive riots: Why?

The recent Tasikmalaya riots are regrettable, because the
outburst seems rife with racist and sectarian motives.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, and
our national leaders are sad and confused. How could these
tragedies happen in a Pancasila society which upholds the motto:
"Unity in Diversity"? It has become obvious the riots were
directed against Chinese and non-Moslems.

Some sociologists believe social injustice and social
disparity cause riots. The people feel the Chinese are in a
favorable economic position, and that many Indonesian officials
-- intentionally or unintentionally -- have helped create a
situation where around four percent of Indonesian Chinese control
almost 70 percent of the national economy.

Only a small spark was needed to start these riots. This issue
is popularly called a pribumi (indigenous peoples) and non-
pribumi (non-indigenous peoples) affair. On the surface it looks
like an economic issue, but there is more than that; perhaps it
is an issue of national integration.

In his state address way back on Aug. 16, 1967, the President
said: "To the whole nation I appeal not to be trapped into
activities which might lead to racialism. We must draw a clear
line between Chinese with foreign nationality and Indonesian
citizens of Chinese descent, who have the same position, rights
and obligations as their fellow Indonesians. We must avoid
discriminatory treatment against them. On the other hand, the
Indonesian citizens of Chinese descent should not postpone much
longer steps to integrate and assimilate."

The Tasikmalaya riots were clearly directed against non-
Moslems, burning and damaging churches, giving a poor image of
Indonesia to foreign countries. Some time ago we read Indonesia
was an excellent example of religious tolerance; we should keep
it this way, because religion paired with uncontrolled fanaticism
can bring disaster.

Religion is something we must feel with our heart and with
full conviction. The President said in his address before a
combined conference of religions on Nov. 30, 1967 that "the
Government has the obligation to guarantee the right of every
citizen to embrace religion of their choice and to perform their
religious rites."

Surat No. 19 of the Koran says: "To you be your way, to me
mine." Surat No. 2 verse 256 says: "Let there be no compulsion in
religion. Truth stands out clear from error."

We have learned many bitter lessons from history. We must do
our best to avoid recurrence of the same mistakes and troubles.
Let us think and act constructively. If you have a difference of
opinion, discuss it so the problem can be solved in the best
possible way. Refrain from the use of force, as it will invite
the government to take strong actions to maintain law and order.

I would like to conclude this letter by quoting House Speaker
Wahono: "Perhaps these (violent incidents) were a manifestation
of people's frustration. People could not control their emotion
on seeing that their leaders's conduct fell short of their
expectations."

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta