Not a Hotel
Oct 12th, 2006, in News, by PatungVice president Jusuf Kalla advises businessmen of Chinese descent to regard Indonesia as their home, and not as a hotel.
Speaking to a group of Chinese, Tionghoa, businessmen at the Gedung Metro TV in Jakarta on the 11th Kalla asked them to not consider Indonesia a hotel, and that when times got tough not to flee, with their money in tow, to greener, safer pastures such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
Chinese should regard Indonesia as their permanent home, and if there were problems, or “damage”, in the country, then Chinese businessmen should stay to help fix the problems, and not make the problems worse by leaving, or likely more to the point, moving their money to other countries.
This is our home, let’s fix it [together].
(Ini rumah kita, kita perbaiki rumah kita.)
According to Kalla Indonesia had already passed the worst of its economic and socio-political distresses and bright sunlit uplands were in view.
It’s much safer here now than in the past.
(Kita sudah jauh lebih aman dibanding masa dulu)
On the part of the government there was no longer any discrimination in Indonesia based on ethnic and religious identity (SARA), he said. As proof he pointed out that some government officials had been punished for corrupt practises.
He hoped that Chinese here would help convince foreign investors that Indonesia was a good place to invest in by themselves prioritising Indonesia as the first place in which they invest their funds.
Kalla said that the government did not distinguish between the ethnic backgrounds of businessmen. Whether Chinese or Bugis (like Kalla), or whatever, they were all just Indonesian. (Antara, Media Indonesia, Metrotv.)
43 Comments on “Not a Hotel”
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Molisan Tono says:
well… let see how they treat Chinese descent… especially the dumb bird speaking like him.
I’m born as Indonesia Chinese… now, am i Indonesian… or Indonesian “keturunan”???
no wonder why many rich people prefer Indonesia as “hotel” as our beloved short VP JK named it.
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Ronnie says:
He is now vice president, but he speaks like a street comedian ! Go to hell man !
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Oigal says:
I am sure Indonesians of Chinese descent feel so reassured after the conviction of so many of the thugs who were involved in the rampage against Chinese citizens (amongs others) in 1998..oops thats right there have not been any convictions..still these things take time I guess..
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Andrew says:
“Don’t treat Indonesia as a hotel.”
In all fairness, IT GOES BOTH WAY. Treat the Chinese descents decently, and they will give their all to the country.
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wonder when they are going to do the trial for 98… all we can do and those victimized brothers and sisters is cry out for justice…
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matthew says:
indoensians are very racist still against the Chinese…..
That’s why little boys tell me “the Chinese are ular” (snakes). How do they know this? “My dad told me”.
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Tomaculum says:
Matthew,
and do you think there is non racism from the Chinese against the so called “pribumi”?
If you are non-Chinese, then ask your Chinese friend some terms they use for the “pribumi” or what the “pribumi”s are in their eyes. If you are a Chinese, think once again about your inner attitude to the “pribumi”.
To both Chinese and “pribumi”: stop lamenting and complaining, better see in your heart and do something against those distrust.
BTW: in the rural East and Middle Java (Maybe in West Java too?) if a Chinese man marry a “pribumi” woman, the Chinese comunity there will snift the nose at it. If a female Chinese dares to do that, she will be thrown out of her family. And the pribumi: in the most cases I know, they accept and respect this connection.No doubt, Kalla’s effluvia are either a reference of his ignorance or an expression of his based on self-adjusting pragmatism. Fatalically everybody knows about it, but nobody has the courage to say it, so he will again and again announce such disconcerting statements.
Instead telling us about such fairy tales, he should better do something against the excresences of the radicalism and fundamentalism of the religions in Indonesia. This is the one of the essential first steps “to repair our home”. Then maybe someday we can really say: “It’s much safer hier now than in the past.” -
Sashimi says:
Ooh Jussuf, don’t make any comment, you make yourselves more fool comments by comments
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Hassan says:
matthew: some Chinese descent (not all) usually call natives (pribumi) as : lazy, ignorant, uneducated, corrupt, and other degenerating terms. was that not racism?
stop racism starting from your own self.
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mike says:
I never really spoke to any Chinese. I am white myself.
But I know there is a lot of racism from Indonesian to Chinese, not sure how that’s racist to say it.
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Miss Indo 07 says:
1. Kalla is a VP but he always makes stupid comments (sorry to bring out something that has nothing to do with this topic, but he said that if Malaysia and Singapore wants to receive the positive things from Indonesia’s forest then they have to accept the bad things too, duuh?)
2. All of you have a right point, even including Hassan (can you imagine I agree with Hassan?). Stop racism, start from yourself.
And I agree with Tomaculum too, that often Chinese are racist.
But everything happens for a reason right?Why we are always Chinese? Never only Indonesian, but always Indonesian “Chinese” or Indonesian keturunan, like what tono said.
I have some ABC friend, or France born Chinese they always say they are american, not american Chinese, I’m french, and not I’m a french Chinese, since I was young (I’m still young though) I often hear people call me amoy, or cina, or whatever, I lost my 2 cousins and an auntie in the 98 riots.
And how can I be a 100%-not-racist-person?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not racist, I have a lot of “pribumi” friends, a lot, and I found myself even more comfortable play with them than with Chinese friends.
But I also found and heard some not-nice-comments about Chinese, right in front of my face, said innocently by some of my pribumi college mates, then should I like them?
Guys, everything happens for a reason, for me, every human are the same, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Malaysian, American, English, Christian, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist, you always can find good people and bad people, God didn’t create Chinese to be bastards, or create Indonesians to be lazy, or whatever, so, it depends on you.
I agree with Tomaculum, racism comes from both sides, not only the pribumi hate Chinese, also Chinese often think negative abt pribumi, it happens, but who use anarchy ways?
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Hi, Miss Indo,
first I’m very sorry for your cousins and auntie. I think they sit up there in heaven, where there is no racial differences and no religious disputes.
Off course it is very easy for me to comment the topic from a safe distance and without so much burden in my heart like you.
You ask (maybe rhetorical), why we are always Chinese or Indonesian Chinese (keturunan) and never(!) only Indonesian.
Again: maybe we should first ask ourself why. Many of our Chinese brothers and sisters feel at first as Chinese and then at the second place as Indonesian. Why not? The point is, that we/they have to try to integrate and if possible to assimilate, to do our/their duty beside enjoying our rights and vantages.
Many Chinese have done this, but in the eyes of the “pribumi” they are still Chinese. They look like Chinese, they are Chinese, so where is the problem being indicated as a Chinese? Like our brothers and sisters from NTT, Batak, Papua etc., etc. Do you ever hear people saying Indonesian to them? Very often they are named as papuan (orang papua), Batak etc.
I have Chinese and javanese blood. I look more like Javanese than Chinese. If I tell people about this fact: the Javanese will build a kind of distance, and the Chinese will snift their nose and in the worst case they will ignore me (I know what kind of names they gave to me).
I have heard terrible comments too, but from both sides.
Yes, many Chinese in Europe (I live in Germany) name themselves as German or france or whatever, but only if they are abroad or if they talk with stranger. The minority (most of them children from mixed marriage or from the scond or further generation) feel really as German or France or else. I live since 30 years in Germany, but in my heart I still feel a strong relation to Indonesia (there is simply no alternative to tempe or nasi pecel! Ha, ha!). When people ask me ( because they don’t suppose my german citizenship) I always answer: I’m Indonesian born German.
Who use anarchistic ways? The Chinese is a minority, so they have surely and wisely fear to do such things, because they know the terrible consequences.
Why not doing peacefull beneficial things? Like: donation (Zakat), Congratulation to our Moslem brothers and sisters at idul fitri (Silahturami), donation to orphanage, helping street children etc.
Off course this is not a magical recipe, but maybe: a small step of a minority, but a big step for the human being.
Let’s start. Who join us? M. Tono, Hassan, Andrew, Oigal and others? -
The main topic of this thread is related to the racial discrimination at the state level, not at individual level. Racists comes in all shapes and sizes – they are everywhere, in all culture and from all ages, and although this situation is not ideal, there is little we can do about it. It is racial discrimination at the state level that I find disturbing.
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i always agree starting the point of peace walk. but we can’t do the walk and talk while we eat isn’t it? our fella Hassan trigger this once walk the talk… walk the talk is easy but people need to eat my friend.
we live here, work here and maybe die here too. we just want to be known as good citizen of Indonesia. I would ask my fella Chinese heritage bro and sis to forgive and forget 66, 98 and many other years i may forgot already… now, I just simply ask our fella here those are not born Chinese… or yellow like me… will you walk by our side? be as yellow as we are and we as light brown as you too?
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For Tomaculum the IBG (indo born german hehe),,
I understand how u feel,, but at least u can see a beautiful example from ur parents,,they’re different n they fall in love despite of it ^^
I have a lot of “half-Chinese” friends like u Tomaculum,,n usually they feel rich with that,,they have more cultures in their life,,
n i never discriminate them,,
frankly speakin,,i used to b a racist,,but then i know a lot of friends,,i learn a lot of things,,n i change my mind
but I’m still racist to those who are also racist though hehe,,about the anarchy ways? yes of course u made a point,,Chinese in indo are minoruty,,of course they will think twice before doin sth bad,,
but,,let’s say in China,,i used to live in China for a little while,,around a year,,n i heard some Chinese(as in Chinese-Chinese) asked me about the anti-Chinese Indonesians,, the news is soo famous there,,n I guess inside their heart maybe they feel a bit hurt,,but it doesnt make them kill the Indonesians-Indonesians who live there,,rite?
i mean,,i dont care about the Indonesians who hate Chinese,,just hate us,,has nothing to do with me,,as long as they dont touch n hurt us,,n about the zakat,,donation or anything else,,a lot of Chinese do that already,,but,,we don’t need to tell anyone rite? becoz we don’t need to show off that we do sth good,, as long as we do it sincerely,,that’s enough,,
in the tsunami time in aceh,,i even heard about discriminating story,i heard a story about the Chinese boy who werent given foods by the ppl there,,
I’m not sure whether the story is true or not,,but if that’s true,,I’m soo hurt,,becoz a lot of Chinese also donates for aceh,,just so confused,,when will this end,,the discrimination n stuffs,,
becoz i can live in harmony with all my “pribumi” friends,,n yes Tomaculum,,I’m not shy to be called Chinese,,even me n my friends use it as a joke,,they call me cina,,i call them batak or padang or jawa,, they call me sipit,,i call them item,,etc,,but as u know (bcoz u experienced it urself) we can recognize the tone,,if it’s just calling,,or insulting,,rite?
n even I have 2 uncles married with pribumi n he even convert his religion from Buddhist into Muslim,,but we don’t mind,,it’s his decision,,his life,,n his wife is a nice woman,,n we all have a good relationship,,we come to their house every lebaran,,they come every xmas n Chinese new year,,,,
so,,just wonder,,if it can happen in my life,,why cant it happen in indo?i like this website very much,,
thru this website,,i can know a lot of new ppl,, share each other,,i can know nice ppl like Tomaculum,,moh khafi,,Bradlymail,,tono,,n even Hassan (haha),,etc etc,,
even though just in website,,but it’s nice to know u guys,,
hope we can start doin little big move for humanity..
peace for everyone -
Julita says:
If Mr. Kalla is in their shoes, I wonder whether he would not have done the same. We are not just talking about discrimination here; it is much, much more. It is hard for parents to see their daughter being raped by mobbed, to witness their siblings to be forced to act”¦”¦..inhumanely, or being mutilated (yes, with the new technology, in minutes the outside world see whereas the locals did not even know). All for their pleasure and hate. If the culprits could behead their own people, what could be expected? This is what they are running away from. So in fact Mr. Kalla should first handle the people, the mob, put strong law and order in the country then come up with his suggestion, they will do (their all as one of you said) what Mr.Kalla wanted without the asking.
According to Kalla Indonesia had already passed the worst of its economic and socio-political distresses and bright sunlit uplands were in view.
Needs more polishing. If I read all the stories, which are going on, and when group of people can take the law into their own hands,, students rampaging hotels instead of studying. Police rampaging hotels (another chance to get some more money for their family).
Innocent tourists have problem staying, how could expect foreigners to invest?On the part of the government there was no longer any discrimination in Indonesia based on ethnic and religious identity (SARA), he said. As proof he pointed out that some government officials had been punished for corrupt practices.
I think corruption is a different issue than discrimination based on ethnic or religious identity. Sorry, in fact, bribes help to accelerate business dealings otherwise they would be overlooked, or on purpose put aside, no choice.
He hoped that Chinese here would help convince foreign investors that Indonesia was a good place to invest in by themselves prioritizing Indonesia as the first place in which they invest their funds.
I think, foreigners do not have to be convinced by the Chinese, they have more information than some Chinese in Indonesia do. Though, as I know, the way a Chinese operate a business is much different than other foreigners. Chinese would not hesitate to roll pull up their sleeves when in need.
Kalla said that the government did not distinguish between the ethnic backgrounds of businessmen. Whether Chinese or Bugis (like Kalla), or whatever, they were all just Indonesian.
That is great, though too bad the government is too weak to show it in action.
In all, it is good for Mr. Kalla to acknowledge, realize the importance of Chinese businessmen in Indonesia. As about their stay and guaranteed safety in Indonesia, he should refer his demand to the population, how fortunate Indonesia is to have these people; what they mean to the country and population. Instead of being parasites, as I will show below, they on the other hand create jobs.
I am not just talking, in this part of safe haven where I live, some people immigrants are not working, get on welfare, walking around with their many children (they get child support money) or some go back to their country of origin, live there very comfortably while collecting money from their host country. Too bad, the taxpayers and young generation of this country will have to pay for this.
It was East Europe. There was constant fight among the population, agreement between them were very hard to reach. So the international peacekeepers came giving them aids, handouts and keep them in peace as long as these armies are there.
There were minarets, every kilometers, I heard women got paid for just wearing scarves over their head. I was working with a team, election station supervisor. People kept asking how to improve their living standard. They have no money to feed the family; they need factories instead of minarets. Deep down I told myself, perhaps what they need was Chinese businessmen, build factories, tell them to roll up their sleeves and show them what to do to help themselves and perhaps one day live in peace and independently.
So people appreciate what you have and be nice. The majority of Chinese like/have no choice but live in Indonesia and build their family, they integrate well. As I know there are many inter-marriages. Is there any pure Chinese left? How many percentage are pure Indonesian? So build a great peaceful nation where all races and religion can exist together. Thus, a strong government is necessary which can build the economy and harmony.
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Miss Indo 07,
I’m proud to be a mixed blood. And I’m glad about it too, because I can critize both races without any problem being suspected as a racist (nice, he?).
I was an angry young man because of the discrimination I experienced. But now I know, that with my tolerance I’m a happier man than those who discriminating other. Because I see, those who discriminate they will never have peace in their heart.
Btw: do you know, that the now so called Indonesian “pribumi” are the descent of mongolic-caucasian peoples, who came to (now named) Indonesia in some immigration waves (bevor our now valide era)?Why not showing the good things we’ve done, if we can producing a better acceptance beetwen the “races” with this showing?
Don’t hear or believe rumours (f.e. about the Chinese boys who weren’t given food by the people). Because rumours are always the source of terrible aftereffects. -
when will people forget about their race? aren’t we all the childrens of Adam??
the problem is people have the tendency to stereotype others. when we see a proud snotty Chinese, we will then assume that all Chinese are like that (arrogant). when we see a lazy javanese, we will then assume that all javanese are like that. when we see a cheapskate Arab, we will then assume that all Arabs is like that. that kind of thing (stereotyping) is the sign of ignorance.
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Bradlymail says:
we are Indonesian citizen. regardless race or religion….we must stand united against discrimination.
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Peace says:
I again agree with Tomaculum’s very good insight.
And Bradymail made some precise saying too.And let’s not forget what happened in May 1998.
Let’s pray that someday (I hope in the very near future) those who were responsible could be punished, everything can be clear and the victims (Indonesia-Indonesia and Chinese-Indonesia) can get their rights.
Let’s hope the peace for Poso and for any trouble place in Indonesia.Let’s stop pitying ourselves. Let’s love Indonesia for better and worst (like in marriage, let’s all practise monogamy :-D).
Last but not least, as a good citizen…remember JFK’s saying (not that-all-mouth JK :-D) :
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” -
hahaha… pretty funny….
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”are you patriotic person? US pay lots of attention to their citizens… because citizen is modalities and asset… but here in Indonesia? well, i hope government treat us the same like US did…
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Vina says:
I heard of a true story that brought me to tears. It happened in a church, where the congregation is mixed of Chinese Indonesian and Indonesian “pribumi”. It was not long after the big ’98 riots and the main message that was preached was reconciliation and forgiveness. The people took the message to heart and right after the service two men stepped on the front of the church. One a Chinese Indonesian and one a “pribumi”. what brought me to tears is what they did right after that.
The cina man ask the pribumi to sit on a chair and kneeling down infront of the pribumi, the Chinese man took off the pribumi’s shoes and socks and began washing his feet. And with tears in his eyes, he says: “Forgive me for the times when I look down at you. For the times when I dismiss you as lazy and that all your people are thieves. Forgive me for the times when I see you with suspicious thoughts. Forgive me for all my injustices towards you. For not paying you enough for the work you’ve done for me. Forgive me for stealing your land. Forgive me when most of the time I don’t even consider you as human as I am. For thinking that 3 of you is worth 1 of me. Forgive me for my ignorance. Forgive me for using you. Forgive me for not loving you. Forgive me. I apologize”
By this time the pribumi and the rest of the people in the congregation were all weeping. And the pribumi then asked the cina to sit on the chair and took off the cina’s socks and shoes and said: “I forgive you. I accept your apology. Forgive me for hating you all this time. Forgive me for all the names I’ve called you. Forgive me for the times when I burned your houses and rape your daugthers. Forgive me for the times when I steal from you. Forgive me for blaming you for all my difficulties. Forgive me for not extending friendship towards you. Forgive me for not loving you. Forgive me. I apologize.” The cina replied: “I forgive you, brother. I forgive you”
Now this may sound like a fiction.. you might even laugh at the whole thing because it’s just to unreal. But let me assure you it’s real life. And this is necessary. In order to bring justice yet forgiveness, we need the wrong doings to be acknowledged and a humility of heart to be able to say “forgive me” and also “I forgive you”.
Imagine if this scene happens not just in a little church but everywhere around our country. Imagine if the people in the little villages. kampung’s begin to do these to one another. Imagine then the people in the cities starting to follow. and then the people in the high places. the government officials..the important people. follow suit. and imagine if this happens not only between Chinese Indonesian and pribumi.. imagine if this happens with the madurese and the padang, between the tribes in papua, between the acehnese and the javanese, the bosses and their employees, the Christians and the Moslems and the many other groups that are fighthing in our Indonesia. Imagine what our nation will be like.
Maybe this is too high of a hope.. too big of a dream.. But I believe that my Indonesia is worth us dreaming big, hoping high, and start walking the small little steps. I can only imagine what it will be like.. for now..
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Dear Molisan,
🙂 I’m not YET patriotic.
I’m just trying to be one, and it’s hard, especially to see too many hatreds around (from my self too of course), though I’m told to love even my enemies, it’s still hard to cope. So, it’s hard to be patriotic.But for sure I don’t want to value my loyatly with money.
I drink the water from this land, I eat fruits, vegetables, etc growing in this land, I’m fortunate enough to live above the majority people in this land (cos sadly though the land is very rich, the majority are living the poor lives, and many are very very poor).
The land of this country has been very generous, it’s just too many greedy people are in charge now, not to mention many grumpy people too who love their own perspectives only 😉I’m sure most of American love USA simply because they love it, not because USA paid them. It’s really a humilation to the people of the USA to say otherwise. FYI, USA has long been established compares to Indonesia.
Like Vina said, all begin from ourselves, just stop being a short fuse 😛
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O. Bule says:
It seems to me, as a Bule married to a Pribumi, that there is blame to be laid on both sides.
In general, Pribumis resent Chinese economic success, their monopolistic and exclusionary business practices, their strong reluctance to intermarry with Pribumis, and their self seclusion from mainstream Indonesian (Pribumi) culture.
In general, Chinese resent Pribumi political and military power, consider themselves to be racially and culturally superior to Pribumis, and, consequently, do not even try to assimilate into mainstream Indonesian (Pribumi) culture, let alone intermarry.
I don’t think anyone can dispute that the things noted above are facts.
No one disputes that the Chinese work ethic is great. Here in the U.S.A., Chinese-Americans have been super-achievers for decades (as have been Japanese and Korean-Americans). However, in the U.S.A., they accept the mainstream culture, and they do intermarry, and they consider themselves to be Americans of Chinese ancestry, NOT Chinese who happen to live in the U.S.A. Most third generation Chinese-Americans can’t even speak Chinese, the same way that most third generation Italian-Americans can’t speak Italian. It has been said that “the U.S.A. is where foreign languages come to die.” Given that we are a secular nation made up of people from everywhere else in the world, that’s a good thing.
Unfortunately, in this situation, due to their extreme wealth and economic power, it is up to the Chinese to prove to the Pribumis that they really are Indonesians of Chinese ancestry, NOT Chinese who just happen to live in Indonesia. That does not excuse the anti-Chinese riots of ’98, or of years before that, but the first, and biggest moves must be on the part of the Chinese, to prove that they are Chinese-Indonesians, not just Chinese who live in Indonesia. How can it be done?
1. Kill the Chinese only private schools off right now. Private schools are fine, but admit Pribumis too, and teach in Bahasa Indonesia or English, NOT Chinese.
2. End the “iron ceiling” for Pribumi employees of Chinese-Indonesian owned businesses. Meritocracy should rule; let the most qualified get the position, all the way up to CEO and Chairman.
3. Do what Bill Gates and Warren Buffet have done. Demonstrate Chinese-Indonesian commitment to the society and culture through generous private and corporate charity and philanthropy (Gates and Buffet have given away tens of BILLIONS and continue to do so). In short, if you make a lot of money, give most of it away, it shows that you care (as opposed to being a greedy swine).
4. Intermingle in Pribumi culture and INTERMARRY. Chinese-Indonesians should value being Indonesian over being Chinese, and value Indonesian culture over Chinese culture, or else they should move back to China.
There, I’ve said it.
O. Bule
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To O. Bule:
1. Why closing the private schools? There are many private schools in Indonesia and all of them are open for non-Chinese Indonesian (nowaday there are many, many rich non-Chinese Indonesian who can afford to send their children to such schools!). Better: such schools must provide a certain quota for children from poor families (independent of their skin colour, there are also poor, very poor Chinese).
As I know, the instruction language in those schools are Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), in addition (untill certain level) the local languages (Javanese, Sundanese etc., why not Chinese?) and off course foreign languages (english, german, france etc).
2. Maybe you haven’t realize this fact: there are already many non-Chinese Indonesian occupying higher and high position in many important and less important companies. Don’t forget: for a long, long time it was a (very) exception, that a Chinese Indonesian get a position (any position) in the governmental organisation. But you’re right: the employees should get respect and more fair treatment from their bosses. But do you know, that those bad treatments also happen in many, many non-Chinese companies?
3. Why should someone give most of the money he earned by hard working for charity and things like that? And if he doesn’t do it he is automatically a greedy swine? O. Bule, there are also many, many rich and very rich non-Chinese Indonesian (Bakri Bros etc.), what about them?
The point is: not the amount, but the fair attendance is more important.
Every body, black, white, yelow, green and I think you and I too, wants to have enough money and if possible to be rich (except: Gandi or Buddha or Dalai Lama), so why not, if I earn my money honestly?
Gates and Buffet spent tens of billions. OK, how much money do they still have? Do they give most of their money away? I don’t give most of my money as donation. And I know, that the Chinese part in me isn’t a greedy swine. What about you, O. Bule? I think you earn more money than most of the Indonesian. Do you donate most of your money? If not, do you feel as a greedy swine?
4. …. or else they should move back to China! Are those your words? Or your wive’s?
What do you mean with intermingle? Why should the chines Indonesian value Indonesian culture over the Chinese culture? Why not equate and respect both? And all of the Chinese should intermarry? In what kind of theoretical world do you live, O. Bule?
What about the Papua, Dayaks, etc? Do they have to intermarry too, in your ideal world? Or should they go back to the jungle?
Do you know, O. Bule, that the Javanese place their cultur on a higher level than a.e. the Papuan or the Dayaks?
BTW: what about the caucasian american? Why they didn’t intermingle or intermarry with the Indian culture (but supressed and dominate the local nations)? Should they go back to where they came?
The insight and the effort have to come from both sides. Don’t ask who shall do the first step, but when the first steps will be done. -
Great tomuculum, such ignorant person who thinks he knows all should be taught the reality. Rude and uneducated, calling others who has done nothing to him, greedy swine. You are giving the American a bad name. Anyway, are you an American as I know my many American friends are different than you are.
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vina: all i can say about what you said is: WOW!
i hope more of those acts of mutual empathy will come in the future in this place we were born in, Indonesia. peace.
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Author: O. Bule
Comment:It seems to me, as a Bule married to a Pribumi, that there is blame to be laid
on both sides.In general, Pribumis resent Chinese economic success, their monopolistic and
exclusionary business practices, their strong reluctance to intermarry with
Pribumis, and their self seclusion from mainstream Indonesian (Pribumi) culture.Pribumi resent Chinese success: SOME Chinese as well as Pribumis are very rich and successful. Though it is understandable that some especially (poor) pribumi do not like the Chinese success, this is everywhere very human isn’t. There are also poor Chinese they accept that others have better life, would they resent the rich pribumi, no of course not.
Starting when the Chinese came to Indonesia inter-marriages started and up to now it is still continuing. They change their name, they do not even understand or speak Chinese anymore, they wear Indonesian sarong, gp tpIndonesian school and they speak Indonesian very well , more than immigrants in the West do and sing the National Anthem.
In general, Chinese resent Pribumi political and military power,…
This in general even the Indonesian resent the weak Government and the corruption happening. Not being able to overcome the killings and riots, creating peace among it’s people.
….consider themselves to be racially and culturally superior to Pribumis, and, consequently, do not even try to assimilate into mainstream Indonesian (Pribumi)
culture, let alone intermarry.If it exist then it is vice versa, it is from both sides and this kind of thing happen all over the world. I don’t know what you are trying to tell. Have you visit any middle class – poor Chinese-Indonesian area in Jakarta or any other part of Indonesia? They live together in harmony you cannot even differentiate anymore who is who, they just blend in. Man you are concentrating on the rich, generalizing. Do you know that there exist elite Indonesian, well educated they have their own preference too within their status, we understand, it is their choice. NOTE: A Chinese Indonesian sometimes do not marry a pure Chinese either: their culture, custom has changed. If they go to China they are also discriminated there by the local Chinese, oh you still have to learn more about the eastern people. Just your wife is not enough.
If an Indonesian Chinese are asked outside the country what race they are, especially when the person asking is a Chinese. They would say Indonesian (and perhaps add of Chinese origin.) Why? Because it is very embarrassing to say they are Chinese and not speak a single of Chinese word.
I don’t think anyone can dispute that the things noted above are facts.
Sorry, I did.
No one disputes that the Chinese work ethic is great. Here in the U.S.A.,
Chinese-Americans have been super-achievers for decades (as have been Japanese
and Korean-Americans). However, in the U.S.A., they accept the mainstream
culture, and they do intermarry, and they consider themselves to be Americans
of Chinese ancestry, NOT Chinese who happen to live in the U.S.A. Most third
generation Chinese-Americans can’t even speak Chinese, the same way that most
third generation Italian-Americans can’t speak Italian. It has been said that
“the U.S.A. is where foreign languages come to die.” Given that we are a secular
nation made up of people from everywhere else in the world, that’s a good thing.Great that you also admit that they work hard. I know of a person, Indonesian -Chinese or Chinese Indonesia name it, it does not matter, she is giving Indonesian language instruction, she speaks Dutch, Malay, Indonesian, German, Spanish and sad to say NOT a single word of Chinese and she wishes she will have a chance to do this. Especially now when China is so much improved, many other people are studying Chinese even in Indonesian like never before it is now put into the curriculum of the school.
Unfortunately, in this situation, due to their extreme wealth and economic
power, it is up to the Chinese to prove to the Pribumis that they really are
Indonesians of Chinese ancestry, NOT Chinese who just happen to live in
Indonesia.Again if you are talking of the few, the majority do not even know where China is, they just live where they are day to day, they don’t even know how or clumsy to eat with chopsticks, they eat and live like the pribumi, some of them might know (not sure) that there might be some Chinese blood in them, do they care?
That does not excuse the anti-Chinese riots of ’98, or of years
before that, but the first, and biggest moves must be on the part of the
Chinese, to prove that they are Chinese-Indonesians, not just Chinese who live
in Indonesia. How can it be done?You must be kidding, if there is a riot, you will also run.
There are Chinese:
1. Many healthy, young people including Chinese in Indonesia leave their place, travel to look for a (better) future, study, adventure or experience .Here in the West the young go to Europe, England, China, Asia They left their parents, their place of birth. This does not mean that they forget Indonesia.Their roots are there some return others often visit name it the weather, food, fruits, and they have their relatives.
2. The older generation, the few business people they do not like to move they have their friends, older parents whom they have to take care and. Indonesia is a very nice place to be with it’s well known friendly people.
3. The majority, 85% – 90% of them they live and are just like any other people. They really live on the friendship and kindness of the people, whatever is done to them they could not but accept.1. Kill the Chinese only private schools off right now. Private schools are
fine, but admit Pribumis too, and teach in Bahasa Indonesia or English, NOT
Chinese.My friend, I am very, very, very sure if a Chinese private school exists. Pribumi are very welcome. My, my are you telling the International school in Jakarta to teach in Bahasa Indonesia too? Or English—- why English, it’s because of your language???????? Do you suggest Goethe Institute teach in Indonesian, or English also.
If you can give me the school and the pribumi who would like to be in that school, do inform me, I am not living there but I have many of connection.
2. End the “iron ceiling” for Pribumi employees of Chinese-Indonesian owned
businesses.This is anywhere, any situation. Iron ceiling between French and English, Europe and any other countries, Australian. Do you know why the Jews as well as the Chinese are very successful anywhere they live, even in Timbuktu. They help each other first, they are embarresed to see their people beg or go on welfare. They help/teach them to work, they understand each other, they know the job quality ect. Anywhere, anybody do this. Easier to handle no offences it’s human it’s everywhere Of course, if we open a hospital or build a bridge we have to choose whoever is the professional.
Meritocracy should rule; let the most qualified get the position,
all the way up to CEO and Chairman.3. Do what Bill Gates and Warren Buffet have done. Demonstrate
Chinese-Indonesian commitment to the society and culture through generous
private and corporate charity and philanthropy (Gates and Buffet have given away
tens of BILLIONS and continue to do so). In short, if you make a lot of money,
give most of it away, it shows that you care (as opposed to being a greedy
swine).(as opposed to being a greedy swine).
I cannot believe this, how rude and uneducated you are. Here I was putting up people’s opinion about expats in Indonesia as Parvita has such a negative opinion. It seems this time she right afterall.
Do they have to report to you if they make a contribution. Many of them are church goers, so besides other charities they give, collection is certainly collected every Sunday for many other charities also.4. Intermingle in Pribumi culture and INTERMARRY. Chinese-Indonesians should
value being Indonesian over being Chinese, and value Indonesian culture over
Chinese culture, or else they should move back to China.I told you inter-marriage happened from the start as they landed in Indonesia and inter-marriage is still happening. Why don’t you go back to Indonesia , make a statistic how many are pure, pure Chinese nad how many has some Chinese blood in it.
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Titiek Puspa is an excellent example of a true Indonesian of Chinese descent, as opposed to a Chinese who merely lives in Indonesia. – O. Bule
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WOMAN HERO: TITIEK PUSPA
by Sherly from SurabayaI think everyone has their own hero. Some people adore Kartini for her struggle in education, some might adore Cut Nyak Dien for her braveness, or perhaps some might adore Martha Tillaar for her creative innovative talent in beauty world. However, I choose Titiek Puspa as my hero. Titiek Puspa is a senior singer who sings for more than 50 years. She has 14 grandchildren and she is still making her career in singing and composing songs. Titiek Puspa was born in Tanjung, South Kalimantan on November 1st,1937. Titiek Puspa who was named Soemarti when she was a child, she loved to sing ever since she was a kid. She and her sister sang together, they liked to sing Javanese songs.In 1954, she decided to join a singing competition but her father disliked her decision. Though she made her way in the music stage. In 1954 she won the championship and she was asked to perform on the stage by Sjaiful Bachri, the head of Symphony Orchestra, Jakarta to sing “Chandra Buana” which was Ismail Marzuki’s work. Up to now she has produced ± 400 – 600 songs, such as “Minah Gadis Dusun”, “Kupu-kupu Malam”, “Bing”. Those songs show not only about love but also the portrayal of social and friendship. Therefore, I adore Titiek Puspa for several reasons.
First, I adore her because she is a woman who has inspired so many people through her beautiful and ever lasting songs. She is not only a singer, but also a composer. She is inspired to create songs every day. Even though once she is in bed, she always has notes in her head. Then she she starts creating those notes, sings the notes, then the notation is written on the piece of paper. She has made lots of songs with her deepest empathy and sympathy. Those songs have talked about people who are always forgotten and cornered by their environment, for example a song about the life struggle of a prostitute in ‘Kupu-Kupu malam’ or The life of a village girl in ‘Bimbi’ . She has picked up some inspiring themes in her songs. Those themes are translated into many different songs. She started from the sadness point of human’s life, for example: the death of parents or beloved people and the other life stories.
Secondly, Titiek Puspa is a wonderful hero for me because, she has portrayed an independent woman. In her early carreer, she has shown her thoughts and attitude that she tried hard to perform her singing ability on stage. However, her parents didn’t agree with what she wanted to do. They didn’t want their daughter to be an artist or a singer. However, Titiek Puspa has shown her ability to follow her dream. Having her stage name, Titiek Puspo, she started to join competition. In 1954, she joined a competition and she got the 2nd place of ‘Bintany Rodio RRI’ , Semarang. Then since 1960, she started her career as the singer of Symphony Djakarta Orchestra. The way how she shows her thoughts with song really teaches me that women have the opportunity to say what they want.
Finally, Titiek Puspa is a hero because she strives for the weak people. Titiek Puspa always struggles for good causes as she has struggled with her own challenges in life. She always defends those on the weaker side without taking personal advantage.For one thing, Titiek Puspa defended Inul Daratista-one of the “dangdut singers” in Indonesia-when so many people blamed Inul for her drilling dancing. Everybody said that she has shown erotic dancing which tease the viewers. Though Moslem leaders had confronted her, Titiek Puspa stayed by her side as she could put herself in Inul’s position. Titiek Puspa strived to help Inul and her difficult situation.
In conclusion, I think Titiek Puspa has been a great Indonesian woman who portrays inspiration, independent, and women’s struggle. So I think she deserves to be everybody’s hero. We can learn a lot from her . Furthermore, there should be more women like Titiek Puspa, to do and to continue what she has done. I think that it’s a great advantage when Indonesian women want to take a look on what she has done for us. So in the future there will be more women who want to carry out lots of ideas, inspirations and braveness.
Written by Sherly from Surabaya
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