sekedar memforward tulisan rekan saya, Christine
Susanna yg dikirim via japri.
Buat Susan, lain kali kirim langsung aja ya, please.
:)
salam,
MG.
Wounding the spirit of humanity
Opinion and Editorial - January 08, 2005
Christine Susanna Tjhin, Ulung Rusman and Ilma Sovri
Yanti, Medan
The compassionate appeal made by Jusuf Wanandi to all
citizens, particularly Chinese-Indonesians, to help
Aceh and Indonesia cannot be emphasized enough (The
Jakarta Post, Jan. 4).
The caution to dismiss politics in the long-term
handling of humanitarian aid goes hand in hand with
the urgent need and grim future of the tsunami victims
and refugees.
The opportunity for reconciliation may be in peril
because of racial and religious prejudices, if you
believe the rumors circulating around Aceh, Jakarta
and beyond. Based on our observations in the field,
there are several major issues that could cause
conflict. At stake is not only the rehabilitation of
Aceh, but also the very foundation of Indonesian
unity.
False stories about looting, burning and rape
targeting the ethnic Chinese in Aceh, the abuse of
religious minorities and other rumors have been
circulating via email and SMS. Some people responded
to these ridiculous rumors by calling for a stop to
all humanitarian aid from and to specific ethnic and
religious groups.
Our volunteers who have returned from Banda Aceh and
those living in refugee camps in Medan have confirmed
that these rumors are baseless. The few instances of
looting were carried out by hungry and desperate
people. They did not target the ethnic Chinese and
involved individuals rather than collectives -- unlike
the May 1998 riots.
We must understand the horrific situation in Aceh,
where victims and refugees are in great pain and
hunger.
Thus, any call to halt humanitarian aid is an inhumane
act and beyond shameful. Religious and community
leaders must act to counter the rumors to enable all
of us to focus on the organization and distribution of
much needed aid.
Another concern is the discovery of a leaflet at the
Banda Aceh airport, allegedly printed by a political
party and discussing the adoption of Acehnese orphans.
The leaflet urges the Acehnese not to allow adoptions
by "infidels (kafir), Christians or missionaries".
This shocking discovery occurred during the heated
debate over missing orphans from refugee camps and the
paranoia over Christian missionaries trying to convert
Muslims. The political party itself has denied any
involvement in the pamphlet.
Foreign aid and volunteers are also prone to such
rumors and distrust. One foreign foundation that
opened one of the largest relief camps in Banda Aceh
was rumored to be exclusive and disliked by
surrounding camps.
During a live television show, a male caller blurted
out, "Don't let those foreigners come to Aceh.
Indonesia is a big nation; we can handle this
situation without any interference." This statement is
absurd, and shows how distant his understanding is
from the distressing reality in the field.
Had it not been for foreign aid, it is doubtful many
of the victims would have received any help in the
immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
In times of such great distress, how can we allow such
callous and short-sight attitudes to obstruct the
spirit of humanity? Such paranoia and distrust are
hurting the spirit of humanity that has developed
naturally during this tragedy.
Our energy must be focused on the humanitarian aid
process, not the politicalization of ethnic and/or
religious identities. We must do whatever it takes to
return the focus to helping all of the victims.
The presence of numerous volunteer teams is concrete
proof of the power of diversity. These teams have only
one thing in mind: to help the victims of this
tragedy. These multicultural groups are rebuilding
Aceh and reconstructing Indonesia. This is the new
nationalism that we crave. This is our Indonesian
reconciliation.
Christine Susanna Tjhin is currently a volunteer with
the Indonesian Pluralism Institute (IPI) and Ilma
Sovri Yanti is the coordinator of IPI's volunteer
team. Ulung Rusman is the volunteer coordinator of the
Chinese Indonesian Association. They are now
temporarily based in Medan.
=====
Mario Gagho
Political Science,
Agra University, India
---------
A WINNER works harder than a loser and has more time.
A LOSER is always "too busy" to do what is necessary.
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