International Negotiations November 25, 2017

Liezl Angelique G. Diloy Sir Jumel G. Estraero

FS401

Anti-Chinese Sentiment: The Ghost of the Past Haunts Indonesia Again

I. Abstract
This paper is about the present situation of the Indonesian society with regards to
the intensification of anti-Chinese sentiment in the state, and identification of preeminent
factors that triggered its recurrence. The topic is chosen in relevance to the latest
election held in Indonesia which resulted to issues. The failure of the Chinese descent
in the re-election escalated reports of possible return of acrimony between Indonesians
and Chinese people. Different articles are spreading that history is now starting to
repeat as situations targeting the fall of Chinese people are gradually happening. The
purpose of the study is to scrutinize the underlying reasons of the renowned negative
sentiment apropos Chinese people as a feasible threat to the progress of the
Indonesian society. This study included an exploration on the historical development of
the situation to interpret the actions of every actor involved. This research examines the
effects of anti-Chinese sentiment in social, economic and political operations of
Indonesia and how it modified the perspectives and judgment of the Indonesian people
with respect to security matters. This research suggests that exercising prudence and
acumen could be a viable solution to the unending resentment in the society, to pursue
a more progressive and peaceful nation.

Introduction
Chinese Muslims have always been a part of the Indonesian society; they
constitute a small group in the country. Even though they only represent a small
proportion in the nation, they have played an essential role in the political and economic
development of Indonesia. However, their significance is seen at different perspectives,
with negative sentiments in dominance. This started during the Dutch colonization in
Indonesia in the seventeenth century. A division were created between the Chinese and
Indonesian people with bias on the Chinese that caused the latter to resent; they were
purposely left out to prevent their rise against the Dutch once they begin to develop their
knowledge and skills.1 Using the Chinese people is not a threat to the Dutch since they
only constitute a minority in the country. They were also restricted to communicate with
the indigenous people, thus, creating a huge gap between the Chinese and Indonesian
1Chong, Wu. Rethinking the Position of Ethnic Chinese-Indonesians. Masters Thesis., University of
Malaya, 2016.
Page 1
community. They might have helped in the development of the society, but they are
hated by the people of the society they are serving.

After independence from the Dutch colonizers, which is during the Sukarno years,
the Chinese were obliged to decide whether they want to be Indonesians or accept the
fact that they will banned from the country. Majority chose to abandon their Chinese
identity to belong to the societys demands. However, because of this leeway, Chinese
were able to create ethnic-based organizations, establish Chinese-language news
websites, build Chinese-language institutions, and be involved in politics which widened
the gap between the two nationalities. Instead of limiting their actions and connections,
it had given them with more chances and authority to have a representation of their
nationality in the state. But, when Suharto came into power, open-minded Indonesian
political leaders had taken authority. They had ended the assimilation policy intended
for Chinese and allowed them to express their identities as well as to be involved in
politics. Furthermore, when President Suharto attended the funeral of the late Emperor
Hirohito in Tokyo, Japan and met Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, their
rendezvous unexpectedly led to good conversations and had discussed about the
enhancement of relations between them, specifically on the acknowledgment of
sovereignty of one another once partnership is established. Hence, the post-Suharto
era saw the significant improvement in the condition and position of Chinese-
Indonesians and led to the establishment of good relationship, particularly diplomatic
relations, between the two countries. Suhartos administration started the movement
towards focus on what is beyond the geographical limit, the enhancement of economy,
which has greater importance than living with grudges towards the Chinese.

No matter how the diplomatic relations improved the partnership between the two
states, it did not eradicate the resentment against the Chinese and is believed to be just
lurking in the society. Its recurrence is perceived through the last mayoral election held
in Jakarta last June 2017, where the incumbent Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly
known as Ahok, a baptized Christian of Chinese descent, lost in the re-election.2 Days
after the mayoral election, he was found guilty of blasphemy against Islam and
sentenced to two years in prison. As the situation continues to intensify, it worried the
Indonesian-Chinese community that nationwide violence against them might be starting
again. Although majority believe Ahok could be just a scapegoat of the alleged
blasphemy, some articles had spread that radical Islamic groups were the masterminds
in the said conflict; it is their manifestation of retaliation against the promotion of Islamic
conservatism in the country. On the other hand, Islamic Indonesians do not deny that
they were disappointed when Ahok became a governor of Jakarta, owing to the fact that
he is Chinese and non-Islamic. The Indonesian parliament is known for being
dominated by secular parties, but because of the existence of radical Islamic groups,
competition with the secular authority in the country is happening and sometimes,
overshadows the secular parties.3 This intensified hatred against Ahok and is perceived
2 Shen, Simon. Is anti-Chinese sentiment coming back in Indonesia?. Ejinsight.com.
http://www.ejinsight.com/20170601-is-anti-chinese-sentiment-coming-back-in-Indonesia. (accessed
November 7, 2017).
3 Haan, Jarryd. Governance and Political Challenges in Indonesia. Futuredirections.org.

http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/governance-political-challenges-indonesia. (accessed
November 7, 2017)
Page 2
to possibly escalate anti-Chinese sentiment in the state, which has lingered since the
Dutch East Indies period. Bachtiar Nasir, leader of the National Movement to Safeguard
the Fatwas of the Indonesian Ulema Council declared that if this kind of predicament
continues, they would be targeting wealthy Chinese in the country, who gets successful
primarily through the expense of local resources. No matter how big their help is
towards the Indonesian society, some still looks at it in a different way and starts to
oppose once competition is felt. This poses future obstacles for Chinese-Indonesians
not only in securing a role in the Indonesian government, but in ensuring their safety in
the country as well.
Race and religion are two important aspects that affect the power of an individual
in Indonesia, especially those who want to be part of the political arena of the state.
Maintaining spiritual ties for Indonesians is a very essential thing. They have the urge of
always putting their co-nationals first before minding what other groups of people can do
which somehow indicates that welfare of the people seems to be only a secondary
matter to the masses.4 To see change and development, supporting new ideas and
eradication of discriminatory practices are a must. Chinese Muslims adopted various
cultural approaches just to fit in with the majority. They have crossed the border to
establish special forms of relationship towards people with a different language and
culture to pursue their aspirations and life strategies. A nations culture is its personality
and identity; it has a distinction towards others but it does not mean that its difference
will hamper ones desire to explore and belong into it.
In its contemporary state, despite the threat of recurrence of dispute between the
two countries, Indonesias approach towards China focuses on the effort to balance
national interest in two specific ways.5 First is through economics. Pursuance of the
prosperity in the nation is planned to be accomplished through adjustments in their
involvement in the relationship between China and Japan as one of their sources for
finances and investment for the sustainability of national development. And lastly, is
through politics. The preservation of peace and stability in both states would be
maintained if equilibrium will always be present, not only in decision makings, policy
creations but just simply with their relationship to continue in the movement towards
development. However, not all citizens are informed and involved with the plans of the
government. The low awareness becomes the biggest challenge to the interests of
sustaining the good relationship between two states, and is now implying a repeat of
what happened in their brutal past.6

4Hays, Jeffrey. Discrimination and Violence towards Chinese and how Things have Improved.
Factsanddetails.com. http://factsanddetails.com/indonesia/Minorities_and_Regions/sub6_3a/entry-
3994.html. (accessed November 8, 2017).
5Pattiradjawane, Rene. The Indonesian perspective toward rising China. sagejournals.com.

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177.2057891116646226?journalCode-acpa. (accessed
November 8,2017).
6Bubandt, Nils, Democracy Corruption and the Politics of Spirits in Contemporary Indonesia (New York:

Routledge), 19-27.
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II. A. Statement of the Problem
This research aims to identify the factors that intensify the anti-Chinese
sentiment in Indonesia at the present, in order to scrutinize its implications to the
political economy of the state and to analyze its correlation to the social stratification in
the society.
Specifically, the study tries to answer the following questions:
1. Why is anti-Chinese sentiment recurring in Indonesia?
2. What are its implications in the negotiation matters or partnership of Indonesians and
Chinese?
3. How does it affect the status of Chinese people in Indonesia?

B. Methodology
The basic objective of this study is scrutinizing the anti-Chinese sentiment in
Indonesia which has persisted for a long time, but is believed to be escalating again.
This study used Historical Development methodology in analyzing how this acrimony
can affect the relationship of Chinese people with the Indonesian society. This approach
allows us to examine deeply into the ways how Indonesia ensures its inclusive
democracy despite the strong presence of Chinese community in the state.8 Historical
Development aims at conducting a thorough exploration and understanding of a specific
event, rather the general description of a majority of population for a more elucidated
interpretation of data. I used this approach because I want to discover and learn the
underlying reasons as to how and why anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia started and
why it is believed to be lurking despite well-established relations between the two states
at the present.
I collected the data through one of the techniques used in doing a historical
development research; which is analysis of the related documents to my study, the
archival data. Statements that are perceived to be causes of threats in the Indonesian
society will also be presented in the material. I conducted a thorough perusal of
documents through critical analysis. I involved myself in construing each data collected
and examined the underlying reasons of the unending rancor and organize them in one
data.

8 Tasevski,Olivia. Anti-Chinese and anti-Christian sentiment is not new in Indonesia. Conversation.com.

http://www.google.com.oh/amp/s/theconversation.com/smp/anti-chinese-and-anti-christian -sentiment-is-
not-new-in-indonesia-77720. (accessed November 7, 2017).
Page 4
III. Review of Related Literature

Anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia

Chinese has played an important role in the development of commercial trading
in the nation, particularly in the list of economic activities for large urbanized areas. 9
However, the prosperity brought by Chinese began the occurrence of anti-Chinese
attitudes and behaviours. Unfaithful, self-centered and devious were only some of the
characteristics stereotyped to them. The emergence of class distinction was perceived
as a bad influence gotten from Chinese for it divided the society and started
discrimination with either the indigenous people themselves, or in comparison with the
Chinese. Hatred towards Chinese or Chinese-Indonesians would not happen if the
social stratification ever since they were used by the Dutch colonizers did not
manifested biases. Chinese-Indonesians had seemed to benefit more back in time
compared to the indigenous people, which widened the gap between the two groups.
The locals perceive the Chinese-Indonesians to be bringing a different culture for
they are reluctant to adopt the true culture of the state and are embracing a different
faith. The reason for not being a true and full blooded Indonesian raised issues and had
made things more complicated than it should be. The policy made by the Dutch
colonizers of not assimilating the Chinese and Chinese-Indonesians into the Indonesian
society made the indigenous people detest them. Looking to what they had done for the
country, Chinese people had been able to help in the development of the nation, but
their support will never be seen entirely in a positive way. Indonesians do not just hold
grudges; they remember the cruel facts and find it hard to forget all of it despite the
good relationship the Chinese wants to establish with them.
Economic competition, particularly the duty assigned to Chinese as middlemen,
was the principal cause of anti-Chinese violence in Indonesia. It transpired chiefly
during periods of economic transformation and plight. Chinese workers took the money
they had earned back to China which caused financial instability to the Indonesian
society. The workforce is sufficient but the capital returns do not even equal the ratio of
what is given out to pay the workers. Religion, tribalism and nationalism were only
secondary reasons for the said violence; jealousy and exploitation had triggered more
the resentment which became the vantage point of majority of indigenous people in the
nation.10 Their targets are the Chinese-owned establishments and other properties
which for them are symbol of their economic power and authority in the state. Economic
change brought by the Chinese shifted the power towards them which made the locals
inferior and intimidated; their ego and pride were stepped on by other groups of people.
Competition brings best results but it also brings out the worst in human beings.
Intimidation and jealousy will only make someones self-worth go down. They know they

9 Langbid,Rose & Ngo, Michael. A glimpse into the anatomy of the tribulation and successes of the
Chinese-Filipino in Lanao del Norte Philippines. IAFOR Journal of the Social Sciences 2, no 2. (2016).
71-85.
10 Sore, Ravando. Social Revolution and the Massacre of Chinese in Tangerang. Masters Thesis,

Leiden University, 2014.

Page 5
cannot outdo the past which makes the situation more complicated. The resentment has
persisted in the region for a long time with only subtle manifestations, yet, it still
somehow affects the relationship of the two nationalities.
Due to the Dutch colonization, the Chinese were perceived as Foreign Orientals
by the Indonesian people. Although not all Chinese in the country were homogenous,
the stereotyping applies to all having a Chinese blood. The stereotyping worsened when
the locals and the Chinese were divided by an ethnic boundary, a social border that
becomes apparent if an ethnic group works on maintaining its identity even they
communicate with other groups.11 Boundaries are important for it define who you are
and who you are not. It leads to the concept of someones end that would be anothers
beginning, which develops the sense of ownership. Even though Chinese has blended
with the Indonesian society, the boundary did not vanish and is strengthened more as
time passes by. Chinese may be powerful, but hatred towards them will persist no
matter what.
Anti-China protests are shaped through the economic, historical, political
interactions between China and the nation where protests had taken place. 12 However it
is perceived that religion is now playing a big part in shaping the attitudes and
perspectives of the locals towards the Chinese community. The protests are not merely
or entirely a retaliation towards Chinas rise as a regional leader and a world
superpower, but more as a retort of nations where China is invading on their
sovereignty and is reversing their faith. As Victor Hugo said, one can endure if military
invasion takes place, but invasion of policy-makings, creation of ideas for national
interests and underestimation of faith is a different thing. The given chance to Chinese
and Chinese-Indonesians to participate in the political body of Indonesia created
conflicts in the preservation of national interests of the state. It cannot be prevented that
some policies will be inclined to the betterment of Chinese-Indonesians in the state and
hamper the desires of the indigenous people. This being said, does not deny the
possibility of having social movements to attack and bring down the Chinese and worst,
turn Indonesia into exercising protectionism especially that Chinese people running for
politicians are too expressive of their stand against Islam.
The affluence of Chinese made them an easy target for starting issues. They
served as a popular scapegoat. They are not chosen randomly or by accident; the
blaming on them is all planned to preserve and uplift Indonesian morals. The
relationship between the two nationalities would not be as complicated as it had been if
the division between them did not take place. When talks and negotiations started
during the Suharto era, the discrimination and violence were put aside. The
resentments were minimized and peace was seen throughout the country.
Presently, the two states play an important role in each others economy.
Indonesian export markets are highly dependent with China. Chinas successful
economy and huge middle class population is truly a potential market for promotion and
expansion of Indonesia products. However, this exceptional growth is in contrast with
11 Chong, Wu. Rethinking the Position of Ethnic Chinese-Indonesians. Masters Thesis., University of
Malaya, 2016.
12 Winter, Bryan. Anti-China protests turn social movements? Recent Developments in Asia and Africa.

Afro Asian Journal of Social Sciences 6, no.2 (2015). 1-23.

Page 6
United States. The possibility of China emerging as more dominant than US can lead to
catastrophic situations.13 China as a great power is not a good matter to the US
dominance in the international order. Some experts believe that this aid coming from
China is only good in the short term. China will do anything to emerge as a superpower
and poses threat that it may reveal its true self once it got its interest.

Intensification of lurking acrimony against the Chinese

The changing status in perception of Chinese Indonesian socioeconomic status
in Indonesian society and the spread of nationalist movements contributed to the
unending existence of anti-Chinese sentiment in the country. Massive immigration had
also triggered the situation instead of helping in establishing a better relationship with
the locals.14 With the continuous widening of Chinese population in the country, the
Indonesian parliament has established the Bill no.12/2006 to eliminate discrimination.
The violence had been reduced but it is believed by many that the bitterness is just
lurking in the society. It cannot be expressed freely because of the law, but it seems like
some are just waiting for the right chance to reveal again what they truly feel.
One of the hardest things is having thoughts in your mind and feelings in your
heart that you cannot voice out. Issues tend to get longer either they are not solved the
way they should be, or everything were kept aside, hidden, and no one speaks up. Anti-
Chinese sentiment may not be new in Indonesia, but its manifestation is gradually
increasing again. Economic and political matters are the prominent areas where the
resentment can be easily perceived and felt. When Chinese political leaders get more
power than Indonesian leaders, the negative sentiment towards them escalates.
Liberal theorists suggested about the advantage of working with other states in
using economic approaches to achieve national interests, especially on security
cooperation.15 However, they affirmed that shared interests as a result of
interdependence intensify conflicts. As Neale Donald Walsch quoted, gratitude is the
most powerful force that can unite the universe; but gratitude can also backfire, resulting
to chaos. Instead of serving as a means to forget the nuisance and just appreciate
whatever there is, it makes the feelings of people heavier with the thought of owing
something to someone. The bitterness is only resolved temporarily and will continue
again after some time. Furthermore, because of this interdependence between China
and Indonesia, the pride of Indonesians is being stepped on. Because of the strong
influence of Chinese in the region, it seems like the success and developments being
experienced by the locals are mostly because of them. It undermines the capabilities of
the local people but they are left with no choice due to the dominance of the other race.

13 Purba, Martina Angelika. The Rise of China economic Power: China Growing Importance to
Indonesian Economy. Masters Thesis., International Institute of Social Studies, 2012.
14 Walujono, Amanda. The Discrimination of the Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia and Perceptions of

Nationality. Seniors Thesis., Scripps College, 2014.

15 De guzman, Charles Joseph. Philippines-China Relations: Dovetailing National Interests. Journal of

Critical Perspectives on Asia 50, no.1 (2014) 71-97.

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 Bilateral trade agreements could still continue even with the said acrimony
between the states, but differences and disputes will still persist affecting investment
and development cooperation between the parties.16 On the other side, there is also an
issue with the management of international affairs. Diplomatic and economic relations
can be promoted by mutual understanding; however, the conduction of foreign policy
must be solely managed by a state. Intervention from other groups often causes
confusion and changes the original plans, putting the majority into a state of inferiority
and agony. Besides, even though Indonesians are feeling oddly again towards the
Chinese, it is only a silent feeling for their government prioritizes more what benefits
they could gain through their partnership with the Chinese. They cannot initiate threats
for Chinese are playing a significant role in their economy.
Chinese increased political influence in a country poses a threat of having a
strong military that could overpower and control everyone. Chinese people prefer more
to deal with states that largely depend on them to gradually encroach on their maritime
territory.17 They participate in politics for they do not want to be inferior anymore. Not all
people can notice the hidden agenda of Chinese being an immediate supporter to a
certain country, but surely, the people who must be knowledgeable of the situation will
be aware of it. Because of the well-established relations of the countries nowadays, it is
hard to express if ever they are feeling something odd between each other, and the
Chinese are making use of it. The acrimony might not have escalated but it is surely
within the minds of the people.
Nowadays, by thoroughly observing the behaviours of Indonesians, authority is
not the only factor they consider for a politician to manifest successful leadership and be
able to govern them; religion now plays a great role towards expansion of alliances and
followers. The anti-Chinese sentiment in the region has persisted for a long time due to
the unbalanced power of Indonesians and Chinese, but has been increasing its rate for
some Chinese politicians are not paying enough respect to Islam. Even though
Indonesians have more representatives in the government, implying larger authority,
Chinese has been gaining more attention than them. Indonesian people are powerful in
their own ways, in silently resenting. They cannot do anything but affect the results of
elections or initiate nationalist movements against Chinese people every time they are
attacking Islam. For a country like Indonesia, which is a renowned Islamic state, it is
obvious that they truly and fully place a high regard to religion. Any opposition or strike
done by anyone against it, especially other kinds of nationalities, will surely be
bombarded by complaints and frustrations from the Indonesian community.
The growing power of Chinese deepens more the resentment of people towards
them and is accompanied with intimidation and jealousy. More importantly, with their
growing population in Indonesia, they were able to form organizations inclined to
support them and be able to express bravely whatever they want to say about the
religion of the state, for worries are lesser because they have established teams who

16 Aguilar, Filomeno. Philippine Citizenship through Mass Naturalization. Philippine Studies Journal 60,
no.3 (2012). 391-415.
17 Diaz, Perry. U.S-China Proxy War. Filipino Journal 29, no.13. (2017). http://filipinojournal.com/u-s-

china-proxy-war. Page 8
will protect them. They can form alliances with states who do not aim to be so much
affluent but they can as well have enemies for their desire indicates a very big
competition. People will never forget their hatred against Chinese especially that it is
now prominent in the world.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has been telling people that the Pacific is
boundless that it can accommodate two superpowers (Corr & Tacujan, 2013). China
has the potential of being a more powerful state than United States considering the fact
that they also have a huge group of influential people ready to support them than any
other state. Co-prosperity sphere is being advocated by China, but, it implies a threat to
the peace and security in the international community for it is sure that United States will
not easily allow it. Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those
which are caused by differences because of racial and religious resentments appear to
be distressing, and ought to be deprecated.

18 Corr,Anders & Tacujan, Priscilla. Chinese Political and Economic Influence in the Philippines:
Implications of Alliances and the South China Sea Dispute. Journal of Political Risk 1, no. 3 (2013).
http://www.jpolrisk.com/chinese-politicial-and-economic-influence-in-the-philippines-implications-for-
alliances-and-the-south-china-sea-dispute.
Page 9
IV. Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of the Data
The formation of the compound set of hesitation, fear, agitation and stereotypes
are based from the kind of relationship a country has to its citizens, particularly the
migrants. This extends to the development and control on certain migrant policies,
having an impact not only on the trends of migration, but with the economic, political,
social and religious growth framework of a society. The outlook of locals is highly
influenced by what is being aroused to them by external factors. Due to the brutal past
between Chinese or Chinese-Indonesians and Indonesian locals, the fear has lingered
in the society even though the condition at the present is way different than before. This
fear is both pertaining to the Indonesians and Chinese, just with distinct meanings. Fear
for Chinese would be to face everything and rise; be brave to overcome all the hatred
and resentment of the locals against them. On the other side, the fear for Indonesians
would be to forget everything and rise; enough with grudges and just focus with their
present relationship with the Chinese and acknowledge what they have done for the
country.
Indonesians possess positive and negative psychological orientation towards the
Chinese. Their attitude apropos the other group is not indistinguishable, inflexible,
concise or congent; a lot of factors contribute to their behaviour and way of thinking in
relation to the Chinese. Furthermore, the extent to which primary political attitudes are
shared within a political system becomes a crucial point for unity and decision-making in
the long term. Having different groups of people in a government leads to the creation of
a lot of ideas, but it also makes the parliament prone to conflicts, misunderstandings
and negative connotations of miscellany as to the differing ideas and opinions of the
people seated in the government. Instead of using the diversity into valuing every one
and expanding the sphere of brotherhood, people fail to recognize and accept the
differences. Diversity in race and religion must be a hard thing for a society to live with,
but it would also be a treacherous phenomenon to live without it. Islamic conservatism
is on the rise in the contemporary Indonesia, and it indicates competition to the
traditional implementation of pluralism in the country. Desiring the state to be a
theocratic one would truly create diversity for many would be overshadowed if it will be
pursued.
Cultural and media works are produced by public figures such as social critics,
writers, and artists and they tend to form as well as reflect public opinion, which in turn,
shapes the attitude of Indonesians. Anti-Chinese sentiment lasted in the region as
feelings were started to be expressed in public mediums. The role of social media is
critical because it helps to spread cognitive dissonance by connecting thought leaders
and activists to ordinary citizens rapidly expanding the network of people who become
willing to take action. Social media is about sociology and psychology more than
technology. It affects the character of everyone forming their attitude based on what
they had perceived externally, being a negative sentiment with acquired facts and not
just a transient public opinion.

Page 10
1. Reasons of the recurring anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia
Anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia is not a new phenomenon. It has persisted
for a long time, but is believed to be escalating at the present. The reports started when
a Chinese descent named Ahok, lost from the re-election in the mayoral position. Even
though the situation is only a municipal election, it took on a greater significance that
Indonesia might be closing its walls to its neighbours who are capable of posing threats.
The political assault against the Chinese descent is not impossible; he is a strong ally of
President Widodo which supports the idea that some groups are gradually taking their
steps to take down the President and is starting the movement with its alliances to
weaken his power in the state. Nowadays, matters are not all pertaining to race or
accumulated wealth of an individual, but respecting the religion of Indonesia, Islam.
President Joko Widodo has been campaigning to end the dominance of Islam in
the country even though he knows majority of the citizens advocates for the emphasis
of religion not just in politics but in the everyday life in the country. He asserted that the
nation's unity is at stake because its vital element, pluralism, which is the existence of
different secular parties, is being attacked by people who desire Indonesia to become a
theocratic state. His movement is combining Islam and nationalism into a single,
powerful force for national cooperation, development and opulence. However, Islamic
Indonesians do not totally support it. For them, as what is traditionally implemented,
nationalism and religion cannot go hand in hand as they indicate different perspectives
leading into incompatibility which will create more diversity in the nation. Radical Islamic
groups were triggered and are believed to be planning their strategies in order to uplift
Islam as the sole factor for unification in the country. Indonesias tolerance to religious
diversity is frail. They cannot easily accept other religions for they have focused on
Islam their entire lives; it is understandable as to why they are so frustrated if a non-
Islamic has taken position in the government and even mocks Islam after being elected.
No enough respect and modesty towards the belief of people in the country they have
chosen to interfere.
Religion now plays a deep role in national politics. Religious intolerance has
persisted for a long time, with minority groups as the target of attacks; it is believed that
they cannot do anything huge to affect the political and economic status of the country
for they just constitute a small group in the society. The unfortunate election result of
Ahok had further strain not just the faith of the locals, but the nationalist characteristic of
everybody.
In a way, the recurring situation is like a puzzle. There are the pieces of
information to complete the data, but everything seems to be not complimenting each
other. Creativity and innovation can be used here, but with lack of cooperation and
analysis as to how the puzzle would be finished, crises will surely betide making it
harder to fix the puzzle.

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2. Implications of the resentment towards the partnership of Indonesians and
Chinese
The situation during the 20th century is contrastive to the 21st century. Way back
in history, the relationship of Chinese and Chinese-Indonesians with the indigenous
people is truly in a negative state. The Indonesians hated the Chinese for being the pet
and middlemen of the Dutch colonizers. The separation executed before created a huge
gap between the two groups and resulted to stereotypes and brutality against the
Chinese. Everything is useless if enforcing ones ideas would be through barbarity.
Violence is never a solution; the Dutch was responsible for the resentment of the
Indonesians against the Chinese for making the divide-and-rule policy during that time.
The two groups were just having a casual relationship with each other, but were turned
into enemies right after barriers were placed between them.
In its contemporary period, Indonesians and Chinese are enjoying good
diplomatic relations. Chinas growing economy is of utmost importance to its allied
states, particularly Indonesia. With their interdependence to each other, it allowed
Chinese people to be able to take part in the political arena of Indonesia, thus, having
mixed political parties in the country. The reign of Chinese in the state is hard to topple;
owing the fact that there presence and aid to the state brings development, but
overshadows some Indonesian personalities. Furthermore, nationalist groups are being
expressive towards their movement against Chinese whom are exploiting the countrys
resources for self-betterment. If the predicament continues, it would be a challenge for
the Chinese to keep their positions in the Indonesian government; knowing that the
masses are on the state of opposition towards them and that nationalist movements lie
ahead of them. But, as to President Joko Widodo, there is nothing to worry for his focus
would still be on the balancing of national interests between Indonesia and China. There
are possibilities the mayoral election was not even connected to the anti-Chinese
feeling of the people. But whenever some Chinese politicians utter their stand on the
variations in religion, Indonesians begin to dislike and suspect them. It implies that
Indonesia's tolerance of diversity seems to be weak. Accusations will be all over the
place once Islam is contradicted. It indicates that the religion of a person living in
Indonesia does not matter, but when Islam is being issued especially by people whose
faith is different, Indonesians will retaliate.

The negotiation between the Indonesian parliament and the Chinese groups are
in no complication, but with the masses, it surely is. The locals may not be able to affect
the plans of their government, but they can and they will voice out their opinions through
their votes in elections, choosing who they want and who they want to take down; a
simple yet clever way of vengeance. They may not be able to change the past, or
influence the present, but the future lies in their hands. As what is popularly said, The
power of the people is stronger than the people in power. The government must spread
awareness of its plans and strategies to prevent any escalation of division in the society
and rise of movements that will put the relationship of the states at risk.

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3. Status of Chinese in the community
Threats are heard and seen everywhere. Some were even published for easier
spreading of the news to the public. Isolation of Chinese nationals is not impossible to
happen. Their continuous reign and acquiring of political rights trigger the hatred of the
Indonesian society towards them. Divisions and challenges cannot be prevented,
including their representation in the government being at risk. Whether an individual is a
full-blooded Chinese or a half, it doesnt make a difference as stereotypes are rising
again. Ferocity is rooted from stereotyping, and this kind of notion is often in a cynical
attitude. Instead of simplifying and accepting things as they are, diversity is being more
promulgated in the society.
The issues are not only pertaining to nationality and historical facts. Economic,
political and religious factors also play a role in the intensification of the acrimony.
Economic and political factors go hand in hand as it refers to the holding of positions of
Chinese in the Indonesian parliament. Chinese tend to get more powerful at the country
as they continue to take part in the governing body of the state. They can participate
and intervene with the decision-makings, particularly on the countrys foreign policy. As
Martina Purba stated in her study regarding the rise of Chinas economic power, the
countrys importance in Indonesia is at its highest point; making it more difficult for some
of the Indonesian politicians to topple the power and authority of the Chinese in their
country. Another factor is the faith of the people. Their religion puts more division in the
society as Islamic Indonesians dislike Chinese people, not solely because of their
different nationality, but of their different faith that is contradicting the religious practices
and beliefs under Islam. Verily, faith must be a strong element for different nationalities
to unite, owing the fact that both of them accept there is a supreme being guiding and
protecting them. However, because of the rise of Islamic conservatism in Indonesia,
unification between Islamic and non-Islamic people becomes an arduous journey.
Islamic Indonesians, as the majority in the society, tend to have a huge influence in the
country through the use of public mediums and rise of private groups that promotes for
the protection of Indonesian society. Even though some Chinese would be way more
powerful than them, their large numbers is difficult not to pay attention of, as to what
extent they can do.
Regardless of how intricate the situation, it is not bad to hold onto the words of
the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, in which he asserted that will not let things
worsen and get complicated again because the two states had already established
good relationship between each other. It is difficult to lose that again despite the
different views of his country towards it. He asserts it is not new in Indonesia so there is
no problem with it and everything is towards the good of all. The hope that President
Widodos administration is providing is perceived as an exceptional value that the
people must embrace in order to get over with their grudges or just to minimize conflicts
between the two states. The position of Chinese in Indonesia was shaped by both
domestic and external factors. The above discussion indicates that as long as open-
minded political leaders are in power and that both Indonesia and China maintain good
foreign relations with each other, the Chinese in Indonesia will enjoy a less vulnerable
and more secured position.

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V. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary
The study focused on the magnifying resentment of Indonesian people against
the Chinese in their country. It as well identified the elements that escalated the anti-
Chinese sentiment in Indonesia at its contemporary days, in order to scrutinize its
implications to the future of the state, analyze its influence in the formation of attitudes
and behaviours in the society and determine whether or not the government and its
political parties are part of the acrimony circulating in the country.
The methodology used in the study is Historical Development research. It
allowed detailed and in-depth analysis on the issue between the two groups which
started decades ago but persists until now. Tracing back the roots of the acrimony helps
in understanding clearly as to how and why it happened and be able to relate it to their
present situation. The data were gathered through reviews and assessments on the
different studies, literatures, journals and articles tackling about the perceived animosity
of Indonesians to Chinese people.
The findings of the research present the discordance of todays reality and
yesterdays fantasy. It provides three implications. First, the government of Indonesia
finds Chinese more of an investor than a worker in the country. The government
focuses more on what they could gain on their partnership with the Chinese. However,
the locals are not entirely agreeing with this. Political matters do concern the
Indonesians, but religious concepts matter more. They are expressive as to how
disappointed they are every time non-Islamic and non-Indonesian gets a position in the
parliament. The political and economic engagements between Indonesians and
Chinese to attain the power that would benefit both of them overlook the acrimony and
spontaneous reluctance of the majority in the country. Second, the fortuity of timing
amidst the intensification of anti-Chinese sentiment and the transition of Indonesia into
an Islamic-nationalistic state; it rise concerns on the country's tolerance on diversity.
The contrasting views of the locals and the government can slide the country into
formation of nationalist movements and violence; the emergence of anti-Chinese riots.
The competition may not be felt in the governing bodies, but the masses see it and want
an action for it. And lastly, the so-called anti-Chinese sentiment provided great
challenges to Chinese in securing their positions in the government. The power of the
masses has the potential of overthrowing the people in the authorities, thus, posing
threats not only in the safety of the Chinese but to the totality of their living in Indonesia.
Regardless of the need of the state for the support of the Chinese community, it is
dominated by the desire of the indigenous people to implement Islamic conservatism in
the country, which implies Chinese are not welcome anymore in the state because of a
different faith.

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Conclusion

As what Confucius quoted, life is simple, but people are making it complicated.
In reality, hating people is easier than loving them. The scheme of the everyday life of
men works with the dominance of the negative thoughts while positive thoughts are
being concealed. The great things seem to be difficult to attain, but movements towards
misfortune of other people is so easy to accomplish. Resentment is like a spell inclined
to destroy and smash competitors, and if it will continue to persist, world wars are not
inevitable to happen again.
Anti-Chinese sentiment has to be paid attention by all parties involved in the
issue. Otherwise, miscellany and uncertainty will escalate. It also invites more
intervention from the Chinese community towards the Indonesian parliament which will
cause more conflicts domestically. The intensification of the resentment against
Chinese is largely influenced by the rise of religious movements wanting to turn the
country into a theocratic state. The rise of conservatism in religion in Indonesia will
surely create tension and competition between those who are elected because of their
influence and not because of the same faith with those having greater chances now as
uplifting of Islam is being advocated by majority in the society.
The resentment undermines the development and building efforts of those in the
position with regards to their perseverance on balancing the interests of the two states.
Still, national interests must be apropos the welfare of the people instead of having
history and accumulation of wealth as the preeminent factors to be put in consideration.
The negative feeling against Chinese does not only bring unfortunate outcomes to races
possessing it, but to the Chinese as well. It hampers their goals and threatens their
safety and security. The stereotype given to them is still lingering in the minds of people
which are triggered by their prominence in the world.
The question as to the possibility of anti-Chinese violence to betide again is yet
unknown. But as gathering of data is being conducted, it leads to the conclusion that it
may and it will if the government continues to overlook the sentiments and opinions of
the locals towards the issue. It is never inappropriate to seek for alliances and support
from other countries, however, it must not fail to notice the concerns of the citizens.
Diversity makes the world beautiful, but it could turn into a mess if not handled
congruously. Therefore, it is safe to extrapolate that the Chinese resentment will only
continue if the religion of Islam will be attacked relentlessly and be forced to just be one
of the things circulating in the country instead of being the thing the country mainly
needs.

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Recommendation

1. The government of Indonesia must create projects as to reach compromise with

its locals. The resentment is triggered by diversity in the society and of opposing
views of the masses with what the government wants. Projects intended for
enjoyment and enhancement of the people could minimize the disputes and can
shift away their attention towards their opposition with the campaign of the
parliament.

2. President Joko Widodo is aiming for an Islamist-nationalist movement for

Indonesia. The people are having different opinions about it, but, he could make
policies that there would be certain matters that will be exclusive only for the
secular parties to take and for religion to upheld in the decision-making. A
separation of duties if needed, but works as one for the preservation of diversity
in Indonesia.

3. Chinese people particularly the politicians must learn to be respectful and

modest with regards to Islam, the solely recognized religion of Indonesia. Their
mockery and attack against Islam is what makes the resentment towards them
intensify. They can express what is in their minds and hearts but not to the
extent that it will offend the locals especially that they are in a different territory.

4. Consistent observation and analysis on anti-Chinese sentiment in the country is

of utmost significance. The government must pay attention to it and must not
underestimate the power of the minority. There can never be any expectations
towards them as their actions are unpredictable. Examine starting from the
littlest things up to the biggest conflicts it can bring that could affect the status of
the state in a negative way.

5. The rising anti-Chinese sentiment in India can be used in relation to this study.
The situation in India is much worse than in Indonesia; both perceive China as a
threat to their territory accompanied by the mentality aroused to them decades
ago. The resentment in India can be used as a basis for further enhancement of
this study and to provide better explanations and answers to the raised problems
in this research.

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