Sharing concerns: A protester unfurls a banner in front of the Malaysian Embassy in South Jakarta to protest a TV spot promoting Malaysia that featured the Balinese Pendet dance. Indonesians have been outraged recently over what they say is Malaysia’s claims to their culture. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
Sept. 12, online
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s call for an end to excessive reactions against Malaysian nationals has fallen on deaf ears as a Betawi (Jakarta native ethnic) group reportedly plans to harass citizens of the neighboring country.
Barisan Muda Betawi (BMB) activists said they would conduct an ID check targeting Malaysians in a show of protest against the government’s failure to take tough measures against Malaysia’s disrespect for Indonesia.
Your comments
Well, I guess I have to cancel my Yogyakarta trip this Idul Fitri to visit my relatives there. Sigh…
Azlesham
Kuala Lumpur
Please don’t describe the BMB as a Betawi group, as if they were some kind of cultural society. They are a gang of thugs, just like many other groups in Jakarta who, if they are not chasing after Malaysians, are usually fighting with each other for control of extortion activities around markets and bus terminals.
David
Jakarta
Dear “Samson Betawi”, I am a Malaysian and a regular visitor to Jakarta and especially to East Jakarta, which includes Halim, Kebon Pala, etc. I know firsthand how pathetic and poor Betawi people are, especially those in East Jakarta.
So to my Barisan Muda Betawi (BMB) “friends”, this is my brotherly advice: Instead of wasting your time “sweeping” for Malaysians in Tangerang, I would suggest that all of you get a decent job and try to feed and clothe your families first! I know life must be frustrating for most you living in your current deprived state of life.
So a bit of “sweeping” may give you some excitement in your miserable daily lives?
I also know that many of you will happily demonstrate for any cause for a pack of nasi uduk, which costs Rp 2,500, and a small cup of mineral water. Better still, make your way to Malaysia legally if possible and get a job here. Any job for that matter, and get paid Rp 2-3 million a month! This is definitely more productive than going out “sweeping” for Malaysians.
Johari
Kuala Lumpur
Indonesia will be on the losing side. If this matter gets worse and the Malaysian government takes action to send home all the 2 million Indonesian workers in Malaysia, Indonesia will be burdened with greater and more complicated economic and political impact.
I don’t believe Malaysia will resort to that win-lose action. Malaysia will abide with this heavenly attitude – do good to those who hate you, love your enemies.
Ongus
Sabah
Indonesia must become a nuclear power so that our neighbors will not play with us.
Dato
Kendal
What nuclear power? The Indonesian government can’t even feed its own people so they run away by the millions to Malaysia, where opportunities are in abundance! Get your priorities right first, mister!
Zaiton
Kuala Lumpur
Can’t we just exist happily together as neighbors?
Tang
Bali
It seems that in Indonesia, in the name of democracy and nationalism, any group of people can totally ignore the authorities (even a democratically elected president, of all people) and take matters into their own hands. Viva Indonesia, the land of anarchy in the name of democracy.
Helmi Halim
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysians should stop traveling to Jakarta until it is safe to do so. Jakarta is now a dangerous place for Malaysians.
Their police will not stop the protesters as evidenced recently.
Mazridzuan Mohamad
Malacca, Malaysia
No more Indonesian trips for me. Hello, Korea!
Sam
Malaysia
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