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hinese New Year has always been an important moment for Chinese families all over the world, including Chinese-Indonesians. At this time, we gather to dine together, exchange angpao (red envelopes), or just share stories. Perhaps, Generation Z of Chinese-Indonesians (born since 2000) no longer understands the philosophical meaning of Chinese New Year. Nonetheless, it still is an important event, as well as a reminder of their cultural identity as Chinese.

The Chinese New Year ambience in Indonesia is not only felt by the Chinese but also by the wider public. We can see various oriental decorations everywhere as well as assorted traditional food and snacks. The barongsai dragon dances are performed enthusiastically in many places; and not only have those of Chinese ancestry studied the language. This year, Chinese New Year, which falls on Monday, is also a long holiday weekend for everyone.

The excitement of Chinese New Year could eventually be enjoyed after a very long struggle. It has become one of the milestones of a nation that recognizes one of its minority ethnic groups as part of its diversity. Hopefully despite many challenges the nation will continue to foster tolerance and respect people as human beings, not according to their race or ethnicity.

Today Indonesian Chinese are free to express themselves in various fields after long dealing with discrimination. It takes time to remove the stigma but at least the rights of Chinese-Indonesian as civilized and dignified humans are protected under the 2008 law against discrimination.

Thus, Chinese New Year is not a mere ceremonial celebration but also reflects the history of the struggle against discrimination. The Chinese history in Indonesia is not only about struggle as a victim. Much earlier, Chinese-Indonesian played an important role in Indonesia'€™s independence together with other groups, also as noted figures in local communities, the legislature, judiciary and executive bodies '€” some of them became national heroes (John Lie, the navy commander, is my favorite).
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Today Indonesian Chinese are free to express themselves in various fields after long dealing with discrimination.

As a Chinese-Indonesian, I was a little girl in 1998 when mass rioting occurred. Through conversations with friends of the Generation X Chinese-Indonesian, I learned that the struggle of the Chinese-Indonesian recognized by the state or not, never receded despite the stigma caused by discriminatory policies and some conglomerates that were merely focused on personal profit.

Historical awareness should not be forgotten, especially by the younger generation. History is the past and guides our future at the same time.

This historical awareness is meaningful for at least two reasons. First, it is the trigger for Chinese-Indonesian to participate in various areas of life beyond their traditional confines of the economy. The role of Basuki '€œAhok'€ Tjahaja Purnama as Jakarta'€™s governor with all the courage to voice the right things protected by the Constitution brings a fresh wind to the sector that Chinese have avoided '€” politics and public office.

Secondly, we have felt (and may still feel) like a discriminated minority. But when we seek to defend any other group or persons who are politically, socially, economically and culturally discriminated against and try to obtain their rights, our lives become more meaningful. We not only demand but also exemplify actions of tolerance and solidarity that may even inspire others across the nation'€™s diverse ethnicities.

Among Chinese-Indonesian who fight tirelessly to defend people who are discriminated in many ways are Dr Lie Augustine Dharmawan (founder of the doctorSHARE medical charity group), Ester Jusuf (humanitarian and education activist) and Dr William Kwan (founder of the Indonesian Pluralism Institute)

In the Chinese New Year celebrations, red (hong/红) is the widest color used because it means '€œluck'€ and '€œjoy'€. Red in the Indonesian flag meanwhile symbolizes courage. I have become more and more optimistic that young Chinese-Indonesian not only crave luck and joy for themselves but also have the courage to move out of their comfort zone and fight for those who are marginalized.

The Chinese New Year is the right moment for Chinese-Indonesians to realize their history and have the courage to fight for other discriminated groups in the spirit of diversity and tolerance.

Happy Chinese New Year 2567! Gong xi fa cai, wan shi ru yi. May you be prosperous,
in good health and may all your dreams come true.
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The writer, a Chinese-Indonesian, is a volunteer at the doctorSHARE medical charity group.