Eksodus Menjelang Pemilu: Mencari Aman di Luar Negeri | PUTAR BALIK

Summary

In the lead-up to Indonesia's 1999 presidential election, a wave of fear and uncertainty gripped the Chinese-Indonesian community, largely due to the traumatic aftermath of the 1998 riots. As tensions rose, many sought refuge abroad, primarily in nearby countries like Malaysia and Singapore, and even further destinations like Europe and China. The fear of violence, including ethnic targeting, prompted families to flee, with some selling their belongings to secure safety. The narrative highlights the difficult choices faced by these refugees, exploring the costs of their escape, the bureaucratic challenges, and the profound emotional toll of seeking refuge during a time of political unrest.

Takeaways

• 😀 The hashtag 'tagar kabur aja dulu' became viral in Indonesia in 1999, reflecting the fears and anxiety of the youth towards the political and social climate ahead of the upcoming elections.
• 😀 Many ethnic Chinese Indonesians fled the country ahead of the 1999 elections due to fears of ethnic violence and political instability, following the traumatic events of May 1998.
• 😀 Imelda and her son Yoan, both ethnic Chinese, chose to migrate to Australia, selling their belongings to escape the violence and instability they anticipated during the elections.
• 😀 The mass exodus led to increased demand for travel tickets and passports, particularly in regions like Pekanbaru, with flights to neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong being sold out.
• 😀 Indonesia's embassies, like the one in Singapore, prepared additional resources to handle the surge of refugees, including providing extra voting cards for those fleeing the country.
• 😀 Many ethnic Chinese sought refuge in Malaysia and Singapore due to their proximity and relatively lower living costs, though life in these countries was still challenging due to expensive living conditions.
• 😀 The exodus also extended to other regions such as Europe and China, with some Indonesians, like Meli, fleeing to Europe to ensure safety during the political unrest.
• 😀 Some students, like Atin and Yuni, were sent to China by their parents, who feared for their safety after the May 1998 riots, seeking a temporary escape by enrolling in language courses.
• 😀 The May 1998 riots had a devastating impact on the ethnic Chinese community in Indonesia, with widespread destruction in cities like Jakarta and Solo, as well as looting of Chinese-owned businesses.
• 😀 Many Indonesian Chinese students were granted special privileges in China, including discounted tuition fees and free accommodation, as part of a broader policy to support refugees from Indonesia.

Q & A

What was the significance of the hashtag #tagarkabur in the context of Indonesian politics and society?

The hashtag #tagarkabur, which became viral, reflected the fear and anxiety among young Indonesians regarding the political and social situation in Indonesia, especially ahead of the 1999 general election. It symbolized the feelings of helplessness and the desire to escape the tense atmosphere of political unrest.

Why did many Indonesian citizens, particularly those of Chinese descent, choose to flee the country before the 1999 general elections?

Many ethnic Chinese Indonesians fled the country due to the trauma and fear caused by the 1998 riots, which had targeted their community. The impending election and political unrest amplified their concerns, leading them to seek refuge in countries like Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

How did Imelda and her son Yoan’s experience reflect the broader sentiment of ethnic Chinese Indonesians during this time?

Imelda and Yoan’s decision to leave Indonesia for Australia highlighted the widespread fear among ethnic Chinese Indonesians, who were still traumatized by the May 1998 riots. For them, the general election and political tensions were seen as a potential trigger for further violence, prompting them to prioritize safety over economic concerns.

What were the logistical challenges faced by Indonesian citizens, particularly ethnic Chinese, when trying to leave the country?

The logistical challenges included bureaucratic hurdles, expensive flight tickets, and the scarcity of available flights. Many had to resort to middlemen or agents to expedite their travel, and the demand for tickets to countries like Malaysia and Singapore was exceptionally high during this period.

How did the number of Indonesian citizens seeking to leave the country change in 1999 compared to previous years?

In 1999, there was a significant spike in the number of people trying to leave Indonesia, especially compared to previous years. Passenger numbers at airports like Soekarno-Hatta and other major hubs saw a sharp increase, reflecting the heightened urgency to escape political instability.

What countries did many ethnic Chinese Indonesians choose to flee to, and why?

Many ethnic Chinese Indonesians chose to flee to nearby countries such as Malaysia and Singapore due to their proximity, relative affordability, and the ability to return easily if the situation in Indonesia improved. Some also chose to travel further to places like Europe and the United States.

How did the experience of the Chinese community in countries like Malaysia and Singapore differ from their experience in Indonesia?

While Malaysia and Singapore were closer and more affordable destinations, the ethnic Chinese community still faced challenges, such as high living costs in Singapore and the need to adopt a frugal lifestyle in Malaysia. However, both countries were safer compared to Indonesia, where they had been subjected to violence and discrimination.

What were some of the specific programs and offers made by the Chinese government to support Indonesian refugees during this period?

The Chinese government offered various incentives, such as reduced tuition fees for Indonesian students, flexible payment plans, and even free lodging at university dormitories in places like Beijing. This support made China a popular destination for those fleeing Indonesia, particularly students.

What role did students play in the wave of emigration from Indonesia during this period?

Students were among the largest groups to emigrate from Indonesia during this time. Many were sent abroad by their parents, fearful of the political unrest in Indonesia, while others took advantage of educational opportunities and the safety offered by countries like China, Malaysia, and Singapore.

How did the events of May 1998 shape the decisions of ethnic Chinese Indonesians to emigrate?

The May 1998 riots had a profound impact on the ethnic Chinese community in Indonesia. The violence, including looting, arson, and sexual assault, left many with deep trauma and fear for their safety. The events of May 1998, combined with political instability, made many ethnic Chinese individuals feel unsafe in Indonesia, prompting them to seek refuge abroad.