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Chinese, young, fresh, phenomenal, brave and non-Muslim
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok (Zhong Wan Xie) managed to captivate the
hearts of a Muslim majority to win the regent post in East Belitung. Seven
years later on Oct. 7, 2012, he took office as the deputy governor of
Jakarta, accompanying Joko Widodo.
It is one of
the landmarks in this country’s political history, which became possible
after Indonesia adopted laws that protect the rights of minorities.
After going
through a long period of discrimination, Chinese-Indonesians finally
breathed the air of freedom when fourth president, the late Abdurrahman
Wahid (Gus Dur) declared Chinese New Year as a national holiday through
Religious Affairs Ministry Decree No. 13/2001 and repealed Government
Regulation No. 14/1967 that banned Chinese-Indonesian cultural activities.
Law No. 40/2008
on the elimination of racial and ethnic discrimination complements the
previous regulations, although the law does not only refer to the ethnic
Chinese. Discrimination may still occur as a change of mindset will take
time, but legal protection has already been put in place. There are
sanctions for offenders.
Ahok’s election
as Jakarta deputy governor shows the efficacy of Chinese-Indonesians’
freedom to work, including in the socio-political field which was
practically taboo during the New Order. The next question is, why Ahok is
so phenomenal and perhaps outshines Kwik Kian Gie, the first
Chinese-Indonesian minister since the rise of New Order, and Tourism and
Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu?
There is no
definitive answer to this question, but we can see some differences. First,
Kwik and Mari are publicly known for their opinions while Ahok was
virtually a nobody. Ahok was not even recognized by Jakarta residents
before running for the deputy governor post. Second, Ahok is young and
fresh, the preferred type of leader today.
Third, you can
see how Ahok initiated an astounding breakthrough, which has become
apparent since he took office. He has the charisma of a young man who dares
to take a different, tough decision and make changes although they may
cause resentment among people who are not ready to accept his initiatives.
At the same
time, he does not care about his minority status, which the public
appreciates very much. The issue is not ethnicity but how he can work to
fulfill public expectations for the future. In doing so he manages to stave
off negative comments.
Let’s take a
look at another exemplary Chinese-Indonesian figure. Early in December,
singer Agnes Monica delivered an opening speech at the Global Youth Forum
2012 in Bali. Her seven-minute speech captivated international youth
audiences and whoever saw her speak.
I am spellbound
when Agnes explains how she dares to dream big and go forward even though
the world around deems her as arrogant. Agnes has proven herself. Hard work
led her to collaboration with Timbaland — a famous American record
producer, songwriter and rapper. Agnes is one of only a few Indonesian
singers who have successfully built cooperation with international singers.
There are many
other young Chinese-Indonesians who do not consider themselves victims of
discrimination. They work for the nation in diverse fields: economic,
cultural, entertainment, education, social and even political. Most of them
are unknown, but they continue working without expecting returns. They
break the stigma that Chinese-Indonesians crave only profits.
There are many
social organizations and groups, in which millions of Chinese-Indonesians
are involved, extending humanitarian services to people. We cannot deny
either the achievement of many Chinese-Indonesians who have donned the
national colors in international competitions, either in science or sports.
No one can
choose the ethnicity they are born with. The fact that I showcase the
aforementioned achievements does not mean the Chinese-Indonesian ethnicity
is superior or deserves more attention because they suffered discrimination
for a long time in the past.
My point is
Chinese-Indonesians are an integral part of Indonesia’s struggle for
national glory and at the same time promote diversity in accordance with
the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika or “Unity in Diversity”. In this
case, the Chinese-Indonesian younger generation has to play a key role.
As agents of
change, young Chinese-Indonesians have to work hand in hand with other
ethnic groups in pushing the nation toward progress. The Chinese New Year
is the right moment for all Chinese-Indonesians and the entire nation to
celebrate diversity and craft a new strategy to help Indonesia prepare a
better future. ●
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