Wounding the spirit of humanity
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.