Culture Of China

Class 1A D3 English For Translation And Hospitality Industry.

Group 3 CCU  :

1. Alfinda Haula Salsabila      (01)

2. Diyas Yoga Prasastio          (07)

3. Yasmin Maulidya Nuariani (26)

Culture In China

1. Political System

      The People's Republic of China (RRC) is a semi-presidential socialist republic run by one party, namely the Chinese Communist Party, and chaired by a general secretary. State power is exercised through the communist party, the central people's government, and provincial representatives. PRC has 22 provinces (excluding Taiwan).

2. President

    

Xi Jinping

3. Flag

4. Chinese Culture

    The Culture of China is home to one of the world's oldest and most complex civilizations covering a history of over 5,000 years. The nation covers a large geographical region with customs and traditions varying greatly between towns, cities, and provinces. Chinese culture is a broad term used to describe the cultural foundation, even among Chinese-speaking regions outside of mainland China.

    Chinese culture underwent several turning points and renewals throughout its long unfolding but it was already rich and essential in the period of antiquity called the pre-Chin period that saw the brutal unification of China by Shi Huangdi. A major shift happened from the Shang dynasty which was still connected with barbarian practices to the Zhou dynasty when culture started to flourish.

5. Language

   The official language of China is Mandarin, which is the very name of 'Hanyu' or 'Putonghua', belonging to Sino-Tibetan. Putonghua is the common language of all modern Han nationalities. In the Provinces of Taiwan and Hong Kong, it is called 'Guoyu' while in Singapore and Malaysia it is often called 'Huayu'. Mandarin was formed and is based on the Beijing dialect and other dialects and is used in the northern regions of China. There is no doubt that mandarin is spoken as the primary language by a large proportion of the world's population. Chinese used to have a very large influence in several peripheral countries with its language and character, such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Language distribution map in China

Chinese is a term that represents all the languages spoken by the Chinese (who are Han). Mandarin is a part of Chinese, but Chinese is not necessarily Mandarin. Mandarin is a way to pronounce Chinese characters. Remember, Mandarin is about how to pronounce, not the written form. Hence it is often referred to as a dialect.

The seven kinds of Tionghoa dialects are:

1. Northern Dialect (Bei Fang Fang Yan): It is spoken by almost all residents in the north such as Hu Bei, She Chuan, Yun Nan, Gui Zhou, northern Hu Nan, Jiang Xi, An Wei, Jiang Su. Representatives of this dialect are Beijing, Xi An, Nan Jing, and Cheng Du. The northern dialect became the standard of the Han language we now know. The northern dialect is known as Pu Tong Hua in Mainland and Guo Yu in Taiwan.

2. Wu dialect (Wu Fang Yan): This dialect is spoken in the south of Jiang Su, Zhe Jiang and Shanghai. The Shanghai accent is representative of this dialect. Used about 8.4% of the population of China.

3. Hakka dialect (Khe Jia Fang Yan): This dialect is widely spoken by Hakka people in the south, such as eastern Guang Dong, northern and western Fu Jian. Jiang Xi, and Guang Xi. The representative of this dialect is Mei Hsien accent. This dialect was formed during large population movements from north to south.

4. Min dialect (Min Fang Yan): It is spoken in Fu Jian, Taiwan, Hai Nan, east of Guang Dong, and many Chinese people in Southeast Asia. This dialect is a dialect that has a big difference between the dialects. Divided into the Min North accent (Min Bei), the Min East accent (Min Dong) is represented by the Hokkien accent, the Pu Hsian accent, the Middle Min accent (Min Chung), and the Min South accent (Min Nan) represented by the Xia Men accent.

5. Cantonese dialect (Yueh Fang Yan): Represented by the Guang Zhou dialect, mainly spoken in Guang Dong, HK, Macau, and Chinese people in North America and Southeast Asia. This dialect is one of the dialects with the most complex intonation (9-10 notes) of the dialects in the Han language. This dialect is a dialect that still contains the language structure and pronunciation of the ancient Northern dialect from the Sui and Tang dynasties (7-10 century AD). So during the two dynasties, almost the population of China (north and south) spoke a dialect of Canton. This is why the Chinese in North America and some countries in Southeast Asia still speak the Cantonese dialect (and they call themselves Tang). The Cantonese dialect is spoken by about 5% of the population. There is research that has analyzed that the poems in 300 Tang Poetry (Tang Shih San Bai Shou) of the Tang dynasty are more pronounced with meaning and are more suitable when sung in a Cantonese dialect.

6. Hsiang Dialect (Hsiang Fang Yan): Used in Hu Nan. Divided into the Old Hsiang accent and the New Hsiang accent. The new accent is more like a Northern dialect. It is represented by the Chang Sha accent and is used by about 5% of the population.

7. Gan dialect (Gan Fang Yan): Used in Jiang Xi, southern Hu Nan, and represented by the Nan Chang dialect. Used by about 2.4% of the population. There are still other minor dialects that are still the subject of debate whether it can be a dialect or just an accent of a dialect. However, it does not matter whether it becomes a dialect or accent because between each accent or dialect there is still a relationship that can be traced from Chinese history.

6. Religion 

   China has a long history of religious beliefs and is the origin of various religious-philosophical traditions in the world. Confucianism and Taoism, plus Buddhism, the so-called "three teachings", had a significant influence in shaping Chinese culture. Elements of the three belief systems fall into traditional or popular religion. The majority of the Chinese population adhere to traditional Chinese beliefs. The traditional Chinese belief is a folk belief tradition that is believed by most Chinese people from the Han tribe. This belief has no official scriptures and is often a syncretism between several beliefs or philosophies such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.  

     The Chinese government officially supports state atheism, China is officially an atheist country but the government managed by the CPC recognizes five religions, namely Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, Protestant Christianity, and Catholicism. Under the Chinese Constitution, citizens have the freedom to follow the religion of their choice.

    China is also often seen as the home of humanism and secularism, worldly ideologies dating back to Confucius' time.     Since many Han Chinese people do not consider their spiritual beliefs and practices to be "religion" and do not feel that they should practice any of them exclusively, it is difficult to gather clear and reliable statistics. According to scientific opinion, "the majority of China's 1.4 billion people" take part in Chinese cosmological religions, lunar calendar rituals, and festivals, without being included in any institutional teachings.

7. Element Culture of China

     a. The Chinese Community Trust System

    According to the basic Chinese mind, all-natural phenomena can be divided into two classifications, namely "yin" and "yang" which means positive and negative. In the life of the Chinese, there are three teachings they adhere to, namely: Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism which is also called Tridharma.

     b. China's State Civil Society Organization System

    The people's Republic of China has several Intelligence Services, namely the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) / Department of Public Security. In charge of domestic matters, the Ministry of State Security (MMS) / Department of State Security. Chinese Intelligence Operations spread and actively carry out counterintelligence operations around the world.

    c. Chinese State Knowledge System

    The Chinese State's Way to Eradicate Corruption, currently the Chinese State is implementing three steps to eradicate corruption, namely: Improving the Bureaucratic System, Increasing investigations against civil servants, and Monitoring Power.

    d. China's Livelihood System and Economic System

    The culture of the Chinese State Community in terms of seeking a livelihood is mostly trading and always competing together to make ends meet.

    e. China State Technology and Equipment System

China pays great attention to the development of information technology (IT), a few years ago, various information communication technology equipment was still labeled "invented in the USA". Now on the Hong Kong market, various network equipment began to be labeled "Made In China". began to develop technology in the military field by making fighter aircraft, tanks, armor, and various weapons.

   f. Language

    The language spoken by residents of China is Putonghua is the standard spoken language, except in Hong Kong and Macau where Cantonese is usually used.

   g. Art

    In China there are a lot of arts, one of which is the Barongsai. Barongsai is a traditional Chinese dance using a sarong that resembles a lion.

8. Culture Shock in China

  a.  Meeting and greeting in China

    - When greeting you usually say "ni hao" meaning "hi"

    - If you want to show respect, use "nin hao". Chinese people do not usually greet with a handshake. sometimes they greet strangers by shaking hands.

  b. Language barrier in China

    - In China, Mandarin Chinese is the official language of the country and there are hundreds of other dialects. mastering mandarin is indeed quite difficult even the older generation cannot speak mandarin.

    -  Even though today's young people are learning English, the education system does not provide an opportunity to use it. means to understand easy phrases, often shy when speaking.

    - If you want to go to China, you should first learn Chinese phrases before arriving in the country.

    c. Time in China

      There is only one official time zone in China. GMT+8, which is also called Beijing Time. In reality, China stretches over several time zones and in some provinces. 

9. Culture Occasions and Festivities

    a. Chinese New Year Festival (Chun Jie)

       Imlek comes from the Hokkien dialect, namely, I'm (month) and Lek (calendar). So, Imlek means a calendar month. In Mandarin, Chinese is known as 'Nongli Xinnian'. Chinese New Year is also called Chun Jie or Spring Festival. The tradition of distributing Angpao, fireworks displays, and lion dance performances can be witnessed by people from various circles.

    b. Cap Go Meh (Yuan Xiao)

      Festival Cap Go Meh is usually held on the evening of the 15th day of the first month according to the Chinese calendar or the last day of the Chinese New Year.

    c.  The Ceng Beng (Qing Ming) Festival

    d.  The Qingming Festival or Ceng Beng (Hokkien)

        is a ritual of pilgrimage to the graves and pray to the graves of ancestors. The Chinese community also brought some offerings in the form of food (fruits and cakes), as well as garlands.

    e.  Peh Cun Festival (Duan Wu)

         Duan Wu is a celebration to commemorate the patriot Qu Yuan who committed suicide because of his loyalty to the State of Chu.

    f.  Qi Xi Festival

        The Qi Xi Festival (Qi Qiao) is a romantic festival or day of love in the cultural traditions of the Chinese people.

    g.  Chong Yang Festival

        Next, the Chong Yang Festival or Kaw-kaw (Hokkien) which means 'long live'. Falling on the 9th of the 9th month of the Chinese calendar, Chong Yang Festival is celebrated as Elderly (Seniors) Day.

10. Non- Verbal Communication

   China is considered, like many other Asian countries, that there is evidence in all areas of China of westernization and changing cultural norms, and nonverbal communication is no exception. we have to admit that regional and personal differences exist in such a large country.
    Other Chinese and East Asian cultures are known to place great importance on emotions in the eyes when expressing and recognizing emotions. According to one study, "Western Europeans are more fixated on the mouth, and East Asians pay more attention to the eyes when recognizing facial expressions."
    However, it is also true that direct and prolonged eye contact is avoided in China. Chinese and East Asians have been said to "perceive the faces of others as angrier and more inaccessible and unpleasant upon eye contact than individuals from Western European cultures." movements that have different meanings in China than in other cultures. Placing the index finger on the lips and creating a "shah" or "shh" sound resembling hiss and representing disapproval in China,

11. Dining Etiquette

    1) Seating

        - Upon arrival, one must first introduce oneself and then sit down according to the banquet rules.

        - If the guest of honor or the oldest member does not sit, then no one else is allowed to sit.

        - If he hasn't eaten, then no one else should start eating.                  

    2) Eating

    When eating in China, people behave in a civilized manner (according to Chinese customs), pay attention to table manners and practice good eating habits. to avoid mistakes, must pay attention to the following points:
    a. Let the parents eat first and if the parents say "let's eat", you can start eating.

    b. You should pick up your bowl with your thumb on the mouth of the bowl, first finger, middle finger the third finger supporting the bottom of the bowl, and palm empty. If you don’t pick up your bowl, bend over the table, and eat facing your bowl, it will be regarded as bad table manners.

    3) Conventions

a. Don't stick chopsticks vertically into your food when not in use, especially over rice, as this will make Chinese people think about funerals.

b. Do not wave your chopsticks around in the air too much.

c. Do not stab or skewer food with your chopsticks.

d. Pick food up by exerting sufficient inward pressure on the chopsticks to grasp the food securely and move it smoothly to your mouth or bowl. It is considered bad form to drop food, so ensure it is gripped securely before carrying it. Holding one’s bowl close to the dish when serving oneself or close to the mouth when eating helps.

    4) The food

    There are many cooking methods in china. however, the most common methods are sauteing, frying, boiling, steaming, and roasting. the most common way of cooking is sauteing.

    5) Home/restaurant

    Holding one's bowl close to the dish when serving oneself or close to the mouth when eating helps. To separate a piece of food into two pieces, exert controlled pressure on the chopsticks while moving them apart from each other.

    1. Dress well and always arrive on time.

    2. Seating arrangements are based on seniority.

    3. The ordering of food will be taken care of by the host.

    4. On a typical Chinese dining table there is always a cup, bowl, and small saucer, together with chopsticks and a soup spoon.

    5. Formal dinners will almost always have a consistent flow of the Chinese national drink, baijiu.

    6. If the guest of honor has not started eating, it is considered rude for others to begin.

    7. Food is served in big dishes, which are placed in the middle of a rotating table.

    8. Never use chopsticks to stir food in the serving dishes.

    9. Toasting to health, wealth and prosperity is an integral part of any dinner.

    10. Toasting with baijiu is a common act in Chinese business dinners.

12. Chinese Food

    A Chinese meal has consisted of two parts: staple food, normally made of rice, noodles or steamed buns, and ts'ai, vegetable, and meat dishes. (This is different from Western meals, which take meat or animal protein as the main dish). The primary eating utensils are chopsticks (for solid foods) and ceramic spoon (for soups and congees). In a Chinese meal, everyone will have their own rice bowl; however, the accompanying dishes will be served on communal plates and shared by all people. Normally, the dishes are often eaten together with a mouthful of rice. Desserts are not the main course in China; instead, Chinese desserts are considered as snacks eaten between two meals. If dessert is served in the meal, they will be served during the course of the meal with no firm distinction made. If served at the end of the meal, the dessert is normally fresh fruit.

    On the other hand, the difference in food becomes a serious problem ranging from the taste of oil that is often found in food, the spicy and numb taste of mala seeds, or the spicy taste that doesn't taste, and the bland taste of food, also the difference in the level of maturity of the food.

Kwetiau

Dimsum

Cap cay

Bakpao

13. Dress 

    Traditional Chinese clothes were an evolution of their long, loose, straight-cut jackets and pants or gowns. They reflected traditional Chinese aesthetics, philosophy, and social values as they changed through over 3,000 years of history. Each country in the world has its own unique traditional clothes, from which people are able to distinguish one country from another, and so it has been with China.

Hanfu

Hanfu itself is actually a traditional Chinese dress used by ethnic Han Chinese. Hanfu itself is very rarely worn until now, and usually, those who still wear this shirt are those who still want Hanfu to be recognized as one of the traditional Chinese clothes that must be worn when there are official events. The Han people consider this Hanfu to be important and a part of their culture. Because it was eliminated by the Chinese government at that time, around 1644-1911, Hanfu was replaced by traditional Manchu clothing, which was later eliminated with western-style clothing. The hanfu upper garment was in the shape of petals around an open neck. Then the underside is a skirt or "chang", the sleeves are long and loose. Then also equipped with a belt to wrap the clothes. 

 Qipao

 

Qipao itself is an early version of the Cheongsam dress. Qipao is a traditional dress that is spread by coercion, where Han women wearing Manchu are forced to change their traditional clothes to Qipao and it is even written in the law if Han women don't want to wear Qipao they will be sentenced to death. The qipao is loose and large, also closes the body tightly from neck to toe. Qipao clothes hang straight and form a small skirt at the top and widen at the bottom or at the legs. This closed shirt has a purpose so that people don't know what age is wearing it. But after time the Qipao became more modern and appeared first in Shanghai, namely with a slim cut and different from the traditional Qipao.

 Cheongsam

 

The cheongsam is a modern version of the Qipao and is used by Chinese women today and is the most popular and most popular of the Chinese traditional dress. Even the upper classes wore this shirt, and it also became the traditional Chinese royal dress. The Cheongsam itself always follows the changing times, for example, in today's world you will often find Cheongsam that has no arms and has a high collar, equipped with various types of accessories. If you come to a Chinese restaurant, or to a hotel in China, surely you will see them wearing this shirt as a uniform for work. Usually, the Cheongsam is made of brightly colored silk or satin and is completed with Chinese embroidery. In 1949 the Cheongsam was brought to Hong Kong and became popular there, even the workers in Hong Kong wore the Cheongsam into uniforms.          

 Samfoo

 

The samfoo is an everyday garment other than the Cheongsam. But what is different is, if the Cheongsam is more popular with young women, the Samfoo is the opposite because it is more often worn by middle-aged women and is usually used for working in the fields, or just for relaxing at home. The samfoo is also one of the men's traditional Chinese clothes, but the style is a little different from the Samfoo for women. Usually, Samfoo is made of Chinese satin and decorated with woven motifs. The men's samfoo consists of a top with a high collar and long sleeves with distinctive Chinese buttons and is complemented by a loose trouser base. This shirt is often used as a traditional dress in China but rarely used for Chinese Malay descent.      

Labuh robe

The Labuh robe is a traditional Chinese dress that is usually worn during Chinese New Year and is worn by men of Chinese descent. Until now, Labuh robes are still produced in China and are still often used for certain occasions. This garment is made of silk and brocade in a combination of light colors and is sewn with gold and silver threads. But there are not too many patterns, with loose shirts and high collars.      

Shanghai clothes

 

Shirt Shanghai is a traditional dress of China that is usually used by women of Chinese descent. Shanghai clothes are currently used as an example of a very distinctive clothing model that smells of authentic Chinese culture but has been packaged into modern clothes and can keep up with the times. Almost the same as the Cheongsam, the Shanghai shirt is known for its high collar style and is separated at the front, then with a sideways button model. Usually used for certain occasions.    

Changshan

 

If the Cheongsam dress is usually worn by women of Chinese descent, it is different from the Changshan dress which is a traditional Chinese dress worn by men of Chinese descent. Changsan itself means a long dress and a formal dress worn on certain occasions by middle and upper-class Chinese people. However, from the 17th to 20th centuries this garment was mandatory for men in China, and otherwise, it was subject to punishment. But as time went on, those rules began to disappear. Even now, Changshan clothes have been modified into clothes with more modern models while maintaining their distinctive characteristics. Clothes Changshan also bound to be used at times or special occasions only but can be worn anytime and by anyone who is not only especially those for the families of the privileged position. And what is the unique characteristic of this shirt is its color, which is bright red, which according to Chinese belief, the color red usually brings good luck, also brings happiness and prosperity.         

 

Zhongshan Suit

Tang Suit

14. Body language

•  Using two hands, use both hands to receive and give something. 
  
  
  
• The 'come here' gesture. This gesture can also be an example when you need to take a bus or taxi.

  

  
  
• If you stare at them. It is considered impolite. In China, it's not uncommon for someone to stare and gawk at something they think is strange, and they don't think twice about it.
• Do not exaggerate. Bowing was part of China's ancient culture, but now it is usually done only when you are meeting with a senior government official or for someone you value highly. Unlike the Japanese, it is possible to have a slight head bow, rather than a deeper bow or bends from the waist. Most often bowing is not done in business meetings.
• Many people in China find it rude to show the inside of their mouth. That's why so many Chinese girls cover their mouths in funny ways while laughing.
• Many people in China find it rude to show the inside of their mouth. That's why so many Chinese girls cover their mouths in funny ways while laughing.

  
• Chinese people don't like to be touched by foreigners. Don't touch, hug, or make anybody contact.
• It is considered rude to click fingers or whistle.
• Never place your feet on a table or chair. Never gesture or pass objects with your feet.
• Blow your nose with a handkerchief and put it back in your pocket is considered vulgar by the      Chinese.
• To gesture to a Chinese person, bring your palm down and run your finger in a scratching motion.      
• Never use your index finger to gesture to anyone.
•  Sucking fast and hard air through the lips and teeth indicates a feeling of pressure or surprise at the request made. 
• Trying to change your request, allow the Chinese to save face.
• Chinese point with open arms. Never point with your index finger.

 

Gestures to Avoid

    Here are some cues you should avoid so that you can make the best possible first impression:

•  Don't point fingers. This is considered very rude.
•  Keep your hands to yourself.
•  No excessive touch.
•  Don't make out in front of lots of people in China.
•  Feet made for walking (and that's it). Feet are considered dirty in China.
•  Don't be late. Punctuality is highly valued in many Chinese-speaking countries.7. Keep up the tips. It may seem crazy, but it is considered rude and arrogant to tip waiters, taxi drivers, or other similar service workers in China.

15. Stereotype and Predijuce

        

    a. Stereotype 

   Stereotypes are beliefs about the characteristics of a group of people based on assumptions made without regard to actual conditions. Giving stereotypes to certain groups of people is common in the life of a nation. 

    Chinese - stingy and noisy spat; fast learner; open; ambitious; progressive; efficient; materialistic; do kung fu and other material arts; great at math; can't hold their liquor; a bad driver; arrogant; assertive; very "short" somewhere private but "bigger" than Japanese; wearing glasses; hijack and copy everything; do not honor contracts; cheap labor; drinking green tea; eats everything that is alive - even tiger balls, bear gallbladder, rhino horn, and sea cucumber; smoke opium; business-oriented; money rules the world; Prepare for world domination

    Ethnic Chinese often get different behavior from society because they are considered as others. Second, there are stereotypes about Chinese physicality, especially the shape of the slanted eyes as a characteristic of the Chinese community or their descendants, until now it still often appears. And the third is their socio-economic ability which is always considered to be at the middle to the upper level, where this has an impact on people's social jealousy.

    b. Predijuce

    Prejudice or prejudice is a negative behavior that directs groups to individualists based on limitations or misinformation about the group. Prejudice can also be defined as something emotional in nature, which will easily become a motivator for social outbursts.

    

    prejudice and discrimination are stereotyping, which is a tendency to identify and generalize every individual, object, and so on into familiar categories. The stereotyping of ethnic Chinese citizens in Indonesia, as we all already know, has a long historical root because the categories we know were originally created during the Dutch colonial rule, although after that there was still a process of modification that continues to this day. this.

There are a few basic categories that we can discuss here. First, the 'foreign' category attached to the classification of ethnic Chinese citizens - together with Arab and Indian ethnic citizens - as the Foreign Eastern group. This category places ethnic Chinese citizens as people who come from outside or as immigrants who are different from the original population (which the Dutch categorize as Inlanders). That is why to this day we still face the problem of genuine versus immigrant, even though some of us have talked about citizenship, about the equal rights of every citizen. The clearest example that illustrates this is the use of the word Huaqiao or Huakiao, which means Chinese (in) Overseas Chinese or in English Overseas Chinese, to refer to Chinese people in Indonesia, even though they are already Indonesian citizens.

In fact, there is another term introduced by Lie Tek Tjeng in the 1970s, namely the term Huaren which is defined as Chinese descent or Chinese descent. This understanding is now problematic because other Indonesians are also descended from Batak, Sundanese, Ambonese, and so on. Now some have started to introduce the term Indonesian-Chinese citizen which is considered quite neutral and acceptable, at least by educated ethnic Chinese citizens, but the use of this term has not yet spread to various groups, including the mass media.

The second category relates to the types of work generally undertaken by ethnic Chinese citizens who from the beginning tended towards trade. This problem is what brings about a biased view of ethnic Chinese as `` economic animals '' which we often hear when the work they do extends to other fields of economic activity, such as manufacturing and services. The view that considers business expertise as one of the characteristics related to the genes and culture of ethnic Chinese citizens is one of the derivatives of this bias.

Likewise with the view of the Chinese business network which is very strong and closed, even though this closure has now changed. If in the past the Chinese business networks were built on the basis of dialect groups such as Hokkian, Hakka, Tiochiu, Hokchia, and so on, nowadays the business networks that we encounter in big cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta are based more on common professions or shared experiences. education, so what can we observe that the network has actually expanded to non-Chinese Indonesians, although still in small numbers and limited to certain social classes. In other words, it is difficult to say that the closure of a business network is due to ethnic solidarity or due to class differences.

The third category refers to the issue of political orientation related to the origins of ethnic Chinese citizens who are faced with the interests of the Dutch colonial authorities on their subjects (in this case ethnic Chinese citizens), and with the issue of Indonesian nationalism which was growing at that time.

To this day, the issue of political orientation has always been a problem with the acceptance of other Indonesian citizens of the status of Chinese citizens as Indonesian citizens who are legalized by law (through the ownership of SBKRI). Doubts about the loyalty of ethnic Chinese citizens to the Indonesian nation-state are a form of prejudice that still cannot be erased. This doubt was further strengthened by the 1965 incident known as the movement of the movement / PKI which was allegedly masterminded by the PRC government.

The suspicion of the Chinese as a `` fifth colony '' that the PRC could always take advantage of, and the fear of the possibility of the unity of all Chinese people in the world that was raised in Hong Kong in the 1990s by businessmen of Chinese ethnic origin from various countries, are two of the prejudices that are still in the minds of some non-Chinese Indonesians to this day, so it seems very difficult to see that there are also many ethnic Chinese citizens who can be loyal to the Indonesian nation-state.

The fourth category relates to cultural differences, that Chinese culture which is rooted in the culture of its ancestors in China is considered to have never met the culture of the majority of Indonesian citizens who are Muslim, especially in matters related to foods containing pork which are very taboo for Muslims and worship of ancestors which is considered to violate the teachings of Islam.

The fact that many ethnic Chinese citizens no longer speak Chinese, in addition to the increasing number of them converting to Christianity or Islam, does not seem to be able to change the general view of the 'large' cultural differences between ethnic Chinese citizens and other Indonesians. Even more and more mixed marriages seem unable to bridge these cultural differences. In other words, the view that 'Chinese people are different' has always been maintained regardless of changes in time and space, or the fact that everything in this world can change.

As long as these stereotypes or prejudices are only in thoughts and attitudes, not in real actions, then this cannot be categorized as an issue of discrimination. An action is said to be discriminatory when differentiating categories made on the basis of stereotyping and prejudice are used to prevent group members classified into these different categories from getting the same rights in meeting various life needs.

Therefore, the issue of discrimination, although closely related to problems of stereotyping and prejudice, has different characteristics. In practice, acts of discrimination involve power or power to be able to force the application of these distinguishing categories in real life. This power is not always related to state power, even though the greatest power is indeed owned by the state.


One of the discriminatory acts in mass media coverage that is most criticized is labeling which is carried out without being based on accurate evidence. For example, regarding the 'exclusivity' of ethnic Chinese citizens. Actually, it is difficult to measure exclusivity, but as we know, many people use the word for various things that are considered "exclusive" on the basis of personal judgment.

Discriminatory acts committed by the state are realized through official regulations made by the ruling government. As we know, there are a number of discriminatory regulations made by the New Order government since 1967, from prohibiting the display of Chinese rituals and culture in public places, prohibiting establishing schools and publishing in Chinese, to recommending changing names and assimilating. This does not include discriminatory regulations that are limited in certain fields, such as banking and export-import. Although there are regulations that have been repealed by Abdurahman Wahid's government, namely regulations regarding the prohibition of culture, many still remain in effect today. GANDI, SNB together with PSMTI and INTI are fighting for the revocation of these discriminatory regulations, among others by proposing a new Citizenship Bill.

Meanwhile, discriminatory actions by individuals or certain groups are carried out in various ways, from the overtly to the very subtle and the subtle. It is difficult to trace this because, unlike government discrimination, discriminatory actions by individuals or groups are not always supported by written regulations. But if we hear about the recruitment of ethnic Chinese students at state universities or about the higher environmental costs paid by ethnic Chinese citizens compared to other Indonesian citizens, it is clear that discriminatory actions are practiced in various fields of life.

For example, exclusivity is seen from 'not wanting to hang out', 'high fences', 'closed business networks', 'dwellings that are concentrated in one particular area', 'using a language other people don't understand', and so on.