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| Society & Culture: Intergroup Tensions |
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According to many observers, the relationship between different groups in Indonesia is similar to the dynamic in other places.
Minorities are tolerated for the benefits they bring but suffer periodic spasms of intolerance during
times of impunity. Examples include the sporadic outbreaks of persecution against the Chinese on Java.
Past regimes did not develop a pluralistic socio-cultural policy. Large numbers of transmigrants were relocated
to outlying provinces to live among native populations with no effort by the government to help the migrants and their
native hosts coexist effectively. Reports suggest that most transmigrants acknowledge that they live in someone else’s
home and try to adjust their behavior accordingly. In addition, many of the host communities have a tradition of
welcoming migrants, preferring a peopled to an empty landscape. Yet recently there have been many outbreaks of violence
between these groups. Solutions to this problem should not imply that every migrant return to their origins, as such a
decree would undermine the possibilities for a pluralist, democratic future.
When Indonesian communities do not feel invaded and threatened, they are far more likely to be more tolerant of
outsiders. They may even be able to find ways to benefit from the arrival of the newcomers. On the other hand, once
violence has broken out, rebuilding pluralist communities becomes much more difficult. A discussion among analysts,
advocates and the media is required to discuss how to nurture traditions of pluralism before the need for conflict
resolution actually arises.
Recommendations:
- Efforts should be made to help mixed communities find ways to balance the interests of newcomers and host communities
without violence. In addition, care should be taken to ensure there is no perception that either side enjoys impunity.
- A dialogue should be encouraged and supported on how to nurture traditions of pluralism, using experiences from
Indonesia and around the world.
- Where violence has broken out, community-based dialogues should be set up in the regions in question, making use of
the mediation and conflict resolution skills of the local community, and enlisting outside support when necessary.
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