Minahasa Nationalism
Oct 19th, 2006, in News, by PatungThe Gerakan Kemerdekaan Minahasa in North Sulawesi have hopes of independence from Indonesia.
The region of Minahasa occupies the northern part of North Sulawesi province and contains the regencies of Minahasa, North Minahasa, South Minahasa, Bitung, Manado, Tomohon, and Bolaang Mongondow, see map. The people speak their own language, Manado Malay, and were generally pro-Dutch during the colonial period, with Dutch language, culture, and religion, having had a significant impact on the Minahasa.
On 25th September 2006 a declaration was signed by various figures in the region stating the goal of independence from Indonesia and claiming that a referendum on the matter would be held at Christmas of this year. The declaration is based on three principles:
- Freedom from discrimination (against minorities).
- Freedom from economic inequality and exploitation.
- Freedom from restrictions on religious worship.
The two key men behind the declaration are Dolfie Maringka and Revly Pesak, the former of whom said:
We no longer believe in the unitary republic of Indonesia. The ultimate goal of our movement is total independence/freedom for the Minahasa people. I’m ready to go to jail for this.
(Kami sudah tidak percaya lagi dengan NKRI. Tujuan akhir dari berdirinya gerakan ini adalah kemerdekaan total bagi rakyat Minahasa. Saya siap dipenjarakan dengan perjuangan ini.)
The two men said they had long planned to make their statement but two recent events caused them to speed up their plans – the issuing of the “SKB 2 Menteri”, the law on houses of worship, and the execution of Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus da Silva, & Marinus Riwu. In the land of Toar Lumimuut, they say, all religions will be free to grow and develop, unrestricted.
On the proposed referendum:
I’m sure if it were done most Minahasa people would vote to secede.
(Saya yakin, jika dilakukan referendum, rakyat Minahasa pasti setuju dengan gerakan ini.)
Their plan has Pauline approval, it seems. In Galatians 5:1, they point out, in a spirit of rather dogged, evangelical style literalness, it is said:
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Much emphasis is placed by Maringka on the notion that God has granted freedom to all his people, that such freedom is necessarily inherent in the love of God, and therefore, logically, Indonesia, as a denier of freedom to minorities, engages in great sin, it denies or obstructs God’s will.
It is said in the report that a number of young men and university students attended the declaration although it is uncertain what the real level of popular support for the movement is.
37 Comments on “Minahasa Nationalism”
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Tomaculum says:
Next year the Dayaks will claim their independency from Indonesia, then the Bataks, further the Balinese and so on, and so on.
If I visit my relatives and friends, then I have to request for visa for Republik Jawa Timur Merdeka, Negara Jayakarta Berjaya, Kesultanan Yogyakarta, Negara Bahari Semarang, Negara Padjadjaran Beriman etc., etc. What a nice vision. And all over those countries UNO troops will be positioned, from Australia, Japan, Malaysia etc.
Maybe it will be peace finally out there and the “normal” people can live without fear and with enough to eat. Then why not? -
I wonder why a State the motto of which is University in Diversity cannot (could not) insure
“1. Freedom from discrimination (against minorities).
2. Freedom from economic inequality and exploitation.
3. Freedom from restrictions on religious worship.”
to its people…
It can, provided that real democracy succeeds against the military-industrial lobby. If might-be ministers & presidents knew how boring, corrupTING and restricted power is, they’d try not to create new states or nations…Wassalam !
And thank you Patung for all these subjects of reflection.
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Bradlymail says:
Indonesia could be like Russia, more provinces seek independence, because of infairness, discrimination towards them.
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Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan etc., etc: the succesion totalitarian regimes without law or social justice.
Better situation?
What a sad world. -
Karlira Kanakahuko says:
I hope Minahasa will be awarded like Nobel Peace prize, if they secede from Indonesia. Minahasa may achieve their safetiness against imperialist Islamic groups in Indonesia like Jemaah Islamiya, FPI, NUI, NU, etc.
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Quazi says:
Indonesia’s future has always hinged on what its foundation as a national entity is. Islamist movements in southern Sulawesi, Java, Madura, Aceh, and other regions of Sumatra seem to be unaware of that fact while Muslims constitute 87% of the population, they only form significant majorities in about 2/3 of Indonesia’s territory. The notable regions that don’t fall under this Islamist unbrella are Bali, North Sulawesi, Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara, West Irian Jaya, and Papua. Leaders from both Bali and North SulawesI have already stated that if there is not religious justice on a national scale then they have no interest in remaining within the Indonesian Republic. Western Indonesians may think they could easily crush these independence movements, but its important to remember that they were unable to pacify East Timor, and it took nearly two decades to reach a peace agreement in Aceh. A flare-up of separatist violence in multiple eastern provinces would be a disaster and lead to the eventual fragmentation of the Indonesian nation-state.
Thankfully, this doesn’t have to happen. Most non-Muslims living in the country do indeed want to remain part of Indonesia. The ball is, as they say, in the government’s court. They can begin to universally enforce the law among all religions; Muslim terrorists and murderers can be brought to justice just the same as their Christian counterparts. Shariah-based regency laws can be outlawed by the House of Representatives. Christians in Muslim-majority regions can be granted the same freedoms that Muslims in Christian-majority regions currently enjoy (the freedom to practice their religion, prosyletize, and build new houses of worship). There can be a bright future for the unitary republic of Indonesia. On the other hand, attempts at Islamization will lead to its eventual fragmentation.
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All of these comment are the most excellent in the whole universe forever. These comments really wins. This is the reality, the reality is many Indonesians regoins and provinces will seek independence from suck Indonesian Republic because of the Islamic-Arab imperialist which replace white colonizers to Southeast Asia during 1700’s to 1800’s. Independence of many Indonesian region, like Minahasa from hell Republic of Indonesia is the excellent way to prevent Islamic imperialism and Islamic imperialiasm will downfall.
If Islamic imperialism continues in Indonesia, almost every province and region in Indonesia will be the same as Timor-Leste!
Remember, Minahas is the Republic of Singapore, while hell Republic of Indonesia is the federal states of Malaysia! That’s the most truth in the whole universe forever!
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Hassan says:
wow, what an interesting fairytale! shucks, it’s three o’clock already.
cuckoo…cuckoo…cuckoo….!
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Andrew says:
Reality for one is fairytale for others. Welcome to the real world.
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Oigal says:
How long before the rest of the provinces tire of the Javanese colonialism and exploitation?
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Czeslaw says:
Just a comment:
I do not think that there is problem with Indonesian people. They are wonderful people, I met several of them, and I am happy that I had a privilege to meet such a nice people. They were non Muslims too, as they said.
I believe, that Indonesia will become to weak after states and provinces will try to break away from the Islamic regime of Indonesia. It is not the Indonesian fault, it is not Indonesian peoples’ fault. You have to face the reality that you are under the Islamic rule, and Islamic sward. That is the problem.
Similar situation is in Palestine. Are Jews as bad as Islamist are saying? Are Palestinians bad? I don’t think so.
Like I said, get the Islam out of the middle east and give Palestinians a chance to have normal lives. Similar may prove for Indonesian situation. I believe that the Islam is the problem, and not Indonesian people. So, stick together, as a big unit you have chance, when Islam will split you a part, you will loose to Islam any way.
Organize your selves better, in a larger and more organized states. Be more stronger as a consolidated units, rather than separated small principalities. There are many advantages to be one bigger, stronger and more organized country. There are economical and military principals in this, not much space here to write and talk about it. But build a bigger and better, more organized states, country, rather than splitting off.
Maybe radicalism need to be fight with radicalism on opposite side. Keep all options on the table. Sometimes, fire need to be take out with bigger and more explosive fire, as in case of extinguishing high pressure high condensation fires, which are extinguish with the detonations of a greater power. This technic is used all the time in extinguishing crude oil hole bursts and fires. A lots of use like this in military.
Quazi, you are right on many points. I wonder why no one is trying to diagnose the illness, before prescribing a medicine. It is foolish, to give some one a medication, without knowing or acknowledge the illness.
The system is under Islamic fist and Islamic sward. Wherever Indonesian person will split, the Islam is just next door. The next day, Islam will be again a problem in Indonesia. And this is the problem, and splitting from Indonesia. Splitting may prove not the solution one may expect.
Maybe Indonesia needs to find some one like Mahatma Chandi within Indonesian people? That would a be a dream come through.
As long as yo have Islam there, you will be doomed”¦.
Never forget sacrifice of Mr. Tibo. Mr. DaSilva and Mr Riwu. It will happen to you all, if Islam will stay as is in Indonesia.
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Karlira Kanakahuko says:
Because Islam in Indonesia is the purest kind of evil in Earth, today.
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Edward Farel says:
my names is Farel Edward MENGKO. Mengko is my family names. its come from Remboken, Minahasa, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. I am an Minahasanese. I agree if North Sulawesi is free! but please dont forget that I am a Muslim. I hate NU, FPI, MUHAMADIYAH and so on and so on. I love North Sulawesi very much but I love Indonesia more.
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Farel you hate NU, FPI, MUHAMADIYAH but Osama laden is your hero, there’s nothing difference…bullsh*t!
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Edward Farel, you have too much hatred in your heart.
Not good for your health.
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Peace says:
I’m sure the majority of Minahasa people prefer to be in unity with Indonesia.
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Peace glad to hear that Minahasa people want to be a part of Indonesia or just a hearsay?
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It’s from some ceyanang in the kampoeng of Minahasa back there 😉
Well…hopefully it’s not just a hearsay.
I wish Indonesia could stay as one but of course in harmony too, unlike now.
This country is very nice, but some of its people are certainly not. -
Thanks for your attention Andrew. Thats very kinds of you but I dont know whats happened to Bradlymail. Is he crazy or what!?.
Mr. Peace, I agree with you, there’s so much love in MANADO. I knew it because I’ve been there before. What about you Andrew? Do you know anything about NORTH SULAWESI?
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farel the way you talked something liked twist and turn. Once you said that you came from Menado, north Sulawesi??? Now you wanted to know anything about North Sulawesi from Andrew…!%$#@!)(?
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Karlira Kanakahuko: “Because Islam in Indonesia is the purest kind of evil in Earth, today.”
hence, the part where i do not believe you’re a Muslim from saudi Arabia. a saudi Arabian Muslim won’t say those things.
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Hey Hassan, for your information, I’m a rebellious woman against men’s oppression from my country. That why I do this coz I don’t like Indonesia, especially Indonesian women to be like my country. You are very hypocrite!
Why Shia and Sunnis are hating each other? I’m not not by religion, but because of only your imperial interest. You, Muslim are synonymous with Americans. For your information, I really hate Americans, but I really hate also Muslims who are imperialist and premanist! -
Karlira Kanakahuk
hate is the biggest self punishment. Think of it for a moment, please.That is why Islam is in so much turm oil in last few decades. Please do not follow that lost path.
I am not sure that by screemening hate, it will bring peace and listeners to your comments.
I am not sure that Americans are like Muslims. I wonder what makes your toughts that way?
But, whatever you say, and think, that is your birth given right!
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Dear Hassan my bro,
I think KARLIRA is from Indonesia. I just found out it from the words she typed (premanism). Remember bro, the truth is come ONLY from Allah. not from human kind. just to let U know bro, SADAM HUSSEIN and OSAMA BIN LADEN are the greatest man in the century. next one is AHMEDDINEJAD, I hope! -
Karlira Kanakahuko: yeah, and I’m pope benedict from the vatican. I believe you dude! LOL!
now, admit it, you’re an Indonesian Islam hater. you can’t fool anyone with that tone.
czeslaw: you can spare the sermon, as karlira kanakahuko is most likely an Islam hater like yourself.
you’re a pastor aren’t you? and the only book you ever read is the bible. you studied Islam in you inter faith seminary, and your church ordered you to spread hate. that’s your true color.
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Edward Farel: I’ve never been to North Sulawesi, but I do have quite a few buddies from the area.
Hassan: “i do not believe you’re a Muslim from saudi Arabia. a saudi Arabian Muslim won’t say those things.” > what is this supposed to mean; are you implying that they are all kind, polite, courteous people? another generalization that noone will buy.
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EDWARD FAREL
with people like you and Mr Hassan,
we, the rest, must say good bye to peace, understanding and co-existence
Mr Hassan, your words:
czeslaw: you can spare the sermon, as karlira kanakahuko is most likely an Islam hater like yourself. you’re a pastor aren’t you? and the only book you ever read is the bible. you studied Islam in you inter faith seminary, and your church ordered you to spread hate. that’s your true color.
A small correction to your grammatical miss-hap, Mr Hassan, you wrote: “..and the only book you ever read is the bible…”
The proper way shall be, “and the only book you ever red, was the bible…”Definitely, koran may be good book to start with, but there are other books on the subject of Islam as well.
– No, I am not a religious person. I am Economist-Statistician-Accountant by trade and schooling. Sorry, Mr Hassan.
– I read a new book every other month, or so. So, I am sorry, I let you down again.
– No, I did not studied Islam in any seminary. I never have been in any seminary. Sorry to disappoint your again.
– I do not represent any church, when I do voice my opinions. My opinions are only my opinions. A voice of a lone person.
– About 12 years ago, I thought, that God lost me, or I lost God. So, I went on the journey to find the God. I had to leave religion realms and influences, to avoid any religion influence, in order to get a clear picture of the matter. I am analytical by trade, so this is the way my mind works.
Definitively, people like you Mr Hassan, and your bro Mr Farrel, are steering people like me off in the search for the answers, away from true Islam, which I would doubt that you, or your bro Mr Farrel, have and posses any knowledge of Islam as a religion.
Hate is the biggest self punishment, and both of you are on the receiving end of it right now.
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I aggree with tumaculum, many Indonesian regions and provinces separated as became other nations, becuase of Indonesia’s inequality, discriminationa against non-Muslims and most of all, Indonesia’s being one of the most corrupt country in the world and the Islamic-Arab imperialism in Indonesia.
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czeslaw: on the contrary, I had never hated anyone from a different religion. I only hated bigots and self righteous fascists like you!
andrew: nope, I was just saying that saudi Arabian women doesn’t speak like Karlira Kanakahuko. as in you doesn’t speak like pakistani for instance, or i don’t speak like a pastor. no generalizing intended there, just analysis.
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What a shame. Indonesia is coming apart at the seams.
O. Bule