Wounding the spirit of humanity
Christine Susanna Tjhin, Ulung Rusman and Ilma Sovri Yanti, Medan
The compassionate appeal made by Jusuf Wanandi to all citizens, particularly Chinese-Indonesians, to help Aceh and Indonesia cannot be emphasized enough (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 4).
The caution to dismiss politics in the long-term handling of humanitarian aid goes hand in hand with the urgent need and grim future of the tsunami victims and refugees.
The opportunity for reconciliation may be in peril because of racial and religious prejudices, if you believe the rumors circulating around Aceh, Jakarta and beyond. Based on our observations in the field, there are several major issues that could cause conflict. At stake is not only the rehabilitation of Aceh, but also the very foundation of Indonesian unity.
False stories about looting, burning and rape targeting the ethnic Chinese in Aceh, the abuse of religious minorities and other rumors have been circulating via email and SMS. Some people responded to these ridiculous rumors by calling for a stop to all humanitarian aid from and to specific ethnic and religious groups.
Our volunteers who have returned from Banda Aceh and those living in refugee camps in Medan have confirmed that these rumors are baseless. The few instances of looting were carried out by hungry and desperate people. They did not target the ethnic Chinese and involved individuals rather than collectives -- unlike the May 1998 riots.
We must understand the horrific situation in Aceh, where victims and refugees are in great pain and hunger.
Thus, any call to halt humanitarian aid is an inhumane act and beyond shameful. Religious and community leaders must act to counter the rumors to enable all of us to focus on the organization and distribution of much needed aid.
Another concern is the discovery of a leaflet at the Banda Aceh airport, allegedly printed by a political party and discussing the adoption of Acehnese orphans. The leaflet urges the Acehnese not to allow adoptions by "infidels (kafir), Christians or missionaries".
This shocking discovery occurred during the heated debate over missing orphans from refugee camps and the paranoia over Christian missionaries trying to convert Muslims. The political party itself has denied any involvement in the pamphlet.
Foreign aid and volunteers are also prone to such rumors and distrust. One foreign foundation that opened one of the largest relief camps in Banda Aceh was rumored to be exclusive and disliked by surrounding camps.
During a live television show, a male caller blurted out, "Don't let those foreigners come to Aceh. Indonesia is a big nation; we can handle this situation without any interference." This statement is absurd, and shows how distant his understanding is from the distressing reality in the field.
Had it not been for foreign aid, it is doubtful many of the victims would have received any help in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
In times of such great distress, how can we allow such callous and short-sight attitudes to obstruct the spirit of humanity? Such paranoia and distrust are hurting the spirit of humanity that has developed naturally during this tragedy.
Our energy must be focused on the humanitarian aid process, not the politicalization of ethnic and/or religious identities. We must do whatever it takes to return the focus to helping all of the victims.
The presence of numerous volunteer teams is concrete proof of the power of diversity. These teams have only one thing in mind: to help the victims of this tragedy. These multicultural groups are rebuilding Aceh and reconstructing Indonesia. This is the new nationalism that we crave. This is our Indonesian reconciliation.
Christine Susanna Tjhin is currently a volunteer with the Indonesian Pluralism Institute (IPI) and Ilma Sovri Yanti is the coordinator of IPI's volunteer team. Ulung Rusman is the volunteer coordinator of the Chinese Indonesian Association. They are now temporarily based in Medan.