The Strong Sense of Indonesian Nationality in Ethnic Chinese
- VIVA.co.id/ Linda Hasibuan
VIVA – The President of China, Xi Jinping is considered to have a different policy regarding verseas Chinese, from that taken by the country's leaders in the past.
This was stated by the Chairperson of the Indonesian Sinology Forum, Johanes Herlijanto when holding a seminar Policy on Chinese Citizenship and Chinese Ethnicity in Indonesia, in Jakarta last Saturday.
"Xi Jinping often uses terms which reaffirm the relationship between China and Chinese people who are spread all over the world, regardless of their nationality," he said, quoted on Sunday 26 February 2023.
Johanes said, that the change in policy regarding Chinese people outside of China was clearly visible shortly after Xi was inaugurated as the supreme leader of the People's Republic of China for the first time.
"Xi popularized the concept of the Chinese Dream, which aims at rejuvenating the Chinese nation and popularized the concept of one big Chinese family, which refers to all Chinese people regardless of their citizenship status," he said.
According to Johanes, this statement could cause concern for the government and the political elite in the country where the Chinese people live.
"However, in the case of Indonesia, the stronger roots of Indonesian nationality among all ethnic Chinese can be an effective antidote against suspicions that arise among non-Chinese," he said.
Activist and co-founder of Roemah Bhineka, Michael Andrew explained that ethnic Chinese in Indonesia have experienced various contextualization events, so they have deep-rooted nationalism.
"Moreover, Indonesian Chinese have been separated for a very long time from China and its people, so they have different cultures," he explained.
Chinese Indonesians, said Michael, also contribute in various fields such as health and education. Therefore they will think many times about China's efforts to approach Chinese people in Indonesia.
"Indonesia will progress, if people regardless of their ethnicity, religion, class, really have love for their nation and country," said Michael.
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