Euroman: I am told to be careful when I’m out in case I encounter the FPI or others. Why? I assume it’s because I have white skin and I must be a Christian and therefore a legitimate target. My friends think they are helping me when actually I just feel oppressed and bullied. Tolerant?

My answer: Actually you are looking at the negative here. Most Indonesians are very helpful and welcoming to any stranger. Your colleagues are just making sure that you are safe in what is a foreign city for you.

Euroman: I was advised not to go to the gay arts festival because I might be a target of violence, since if I go I must be gay. This advice was from an official government source and also published in this newspaper. I don’t mind gay people and some of the movies are emotionally and intellectually stimulating and challenging, but I am not a gay. I see the irony that the same fighters proclaim a loyalty to the Wahhibi principles of Saudi Arabia, where buggery is simply a way of life for many men.

A: Just because 200 people from hard-line groups demonstrate against this does not mean that the whole country hates homosexuals. Any parent would hope that their child grows up to be straight, and that is only natural. In fact, I notice far more effeminate gays in Asia than I do in Europe.  

Euroman: I see in the news and on TV the internal persecution and violence Indonesian’s have towards each other in every possible sphere of life. Tolerant?

A: To generalize that there is violence in every sphere of Indonesian life is a ridiculous assertion. Is there some racism and intolerance that results in violence? Of course there is, but that does not make it a national characteristic.

Euroman: I see nationalistic wailing designed at nothing more than stirring trouble against other nationalities. I reference almost anything to do with Malaysia, China or the US. Your government risks violent conflict with Malaysia and demands a minimum wage for [Indonesian] house staff there. Do you have a minimum wage here? Do you treat your house staff well? I am sure you think you do, but I’m also sure you know someone who does not. I do not see any protests against the abuse of [Indonesian] maids in Saudi Arabia or other rich Middle East states.  

A: It is easy to rally the uneducated masses to support a nationalistic cause. Politicians and the media are oft at fault here for this. I do find it alarming at the outbursts against their near neighbors, who are basically the same people.

Euroman: I see Christians harangued from their worship – even stabbed, reference Bekasi. The governors and clerics call for a war against Christians and the police and governments do nothing. At the same time, known extremist clerics teach hatred in schools and mosques. Tolerant?

A: Agreed, except that does not make the whole population intolerant. However, it is obvious that religious intolerance is certainly on the increase. The Government is staffed by Islamic hard-liners, so unfortunately there is not the will on their part to put this right.

Dennis
Surabaya

Popular

Retail sales, consumer confidence ease as Idul Fitri boost dissipates

Number of forcibly displaced people dips to 118 million: UN

Hundreds of kitchens halt services due to 'pause' in free meals funds