Chinese must discard past perceptions: Chairman

Thursday, March 4, 2010 12:31 AM
Chinese must discard past perceptions: Chairman
Khairul Saleh , The Jakarta Post , Palembang | Wed, 03/03/2010 12:38 PM | The Archipelago

Those of Chinese descent in Indonesia must no longer consider themselves to be Chinese as they have long been residing and making a living in the country, a community's commercial association head says.

Tahir, the chairman of the Association of Chinese-Indonesian Businesspeople for Reform (Perpit), said Chinese-Indonesians should discard their Chinese nationalism in order to open themselves to other community groups and show interest in their respective neighborhoods.

"It's time to leave the old paradigm behind. We have been inseparable parts of the Unitary States of Republic of Indonesia *NKRI*," Tahir said recently on the sidelines of the inauguration on South Sumatra chapter's executive board, which is chaired by Jusuf Masawan.

He said Chinese-Indonesians no longer face discrimination, which, he added, was favorable for those seeking naturalized Indonesian citizenship.

A survey in 2008, the result of which was made available to The Jakarta Post, showed people with Chinese background in the country still experienced discrimination.

They have to show Indonesian Citizenship Certificates (SKBRI) when applying for identity cards, passports and other official documents.

The survey disclosed that Chinese-Indonesians spent between Rp 5 million and Rp 10 million to get an SBKRI.

The Chinese New Year was officiated as the national holiday in 2000.

Sociologist Saudi Berlian said the cultural event, like Cap Go Meh, which is celebrated every 15th day after Imlek, should be the most effective medium for people from various groups of community to interact.

"Culture accommodates flexibility and is acceptable to people."

Jusuf Masawan said 100,000 of 392,600 Chinese-Indonesians in South Sumatra had yet to change citizenship to their adopted nation.

The association, which was established in 2001, promotes programs in social and educational fields, community health and capitalization.

Hendra Wijaya, 35, a Chinese-Indonesian residing in Ilir Palembang, hoped Perpit would also channel cash assistance to non-Chinese Indonesians, by which the old paradigm could be said to be left behind.