NEWS

One of the events that included CCDS was a talk show in the context of the Unoflatu 2023 event which was moderated by Dr. Ir. Sugiri Kustedja, M.T. This talk show was held on June 5 2023 on the 1st Floor of Building B of Maranatha Christian University. The Faculty of Philosophy of Parahyangan Catholic University and Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University Bandung also attended the event as speakers. They are CCDS' new partners in the International Conference on Chinese Diaspora in Southeast Asian Studies consortium. The theme carried in this talk show is social identity associated with the presence of Chinese in Indonesia. The speaker from UIN Sunan Gunung Djati was Professor Dr. H. Dody S. Truna, M.A., and Dr. Stephen Djunatan from the Faculty of Philosophy of Parahyangan Catholic University. CCDS (Center for Chinese Diaspora Studies) is a Chinese Diaspora study center founded in 2008 by Dr. Krismanto Kusbiantoro S.T., M.T. and Dr. Ir. Sugiri Kustedja M.T. at Maranatha Christian University. This study center originated from the Cultural Studies Forum at the Faculty of Arts and Design at Maranatha Christian University, which regularly invites researchers and experts in the field of Chinese culture. Starting from this activity, CCDS developed by carrying out various activities, such as excursions to historical sites, filming about Chinese Muslims in Madura, revitalizing the Jamblang historical area in Cirebon, and holding international conferences such as the "International Forum on Maritime Spice Trading Routes and Cultureal Encounters in Indo-Pacific: Past, Present, and Future” in 2021, and “The First International Conference on Chinese Diaspora in Southeast Asian Studies” in 2022. Dr. Ir. Sugiri Kustedja opened the conversation by explaining the history of Chinese presence in Indonesia from the VOC era to the present. This gave rise to the public's perception of the Chinese as an exclusive group, traders, and were often seen as collaborators with the authorities, which were then responded to by the two sources. Professor Dr. H. Dody S. Truna, M.A., who is a speaker from UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, explained that social identity is the way a group of people perceive themselves in relation to various social groups and other identities, such as race, culture, ethnicity and religion. Social identity plays an important role in shaping the attitudes, behavior and interactions of individuals in society. Social identity can also have positive effects, such as increasing self-esteem, solidarity, social support, and shared goals in groups. However, social identity can also have negative effects, such as devaluing or discriminating against members of other groups. Professor Dody revealed that in the context of Chinese social identity in Indonesia, race, ethnicity and religion are identities that need to be maintained to protect their existence from threats and destruction. These identities have conflict potential as well as integrative potential. He also conveyed his thoughts on acculturation in Indonesia, which should adopt a "salad bowl" model that recognizes the existence of various social groups and identities united by Pancasila. Meanwhile, dr. Stephanus Djunatan, a speaker from the Faculty of Philosophy at Parahyangan Catholic University, presented his thoughts on the stereotype of the Chinese Diaspora in Indonesia as a problem of social identity. Common stereotypes associated with the Chinese in Indonesia are as traders and occupations that are allegedly "supporting their own group". Another stereotype is that they are seen as upper-middle income people and are always seen as "foreigners and strangers". Dr. Stephanus explained that social identity is a human need that involves group uniqueness and the desire to be recognized as part of an identity. Stereotypes against Chinese people arise from the problem of collective self-knowledge, which creates a double dilemma between the interest to involve oneself and the interest to present oneself as one's self. In his thoughts, Dr. Stephanus invites us to get out of this dilemma by understanding that social identity always involves an element of difference that is unique to individuals and groups, as well as an element of togetherness. According to him, good cognitive construction is realizing that being Chinese also means being Indonesian. In conclusion, Dr. Stephanus stated the importance of getting out of the "Batman's trap" of choosing between being Chinese or Indonesian. In a more inclusive way of thinking, being Chinese means also being Indonesian, and social identity does not have to be viewed in terms of conflicting views. A strong social identity can help strengthen togetherness in the context of ethnic groups and the Indonesian nation as a whole. Through this talk show, CCDS plays a role in strengthening Chinese social identity in Indonesia by presenting thoughts and discussions about stereotypes, identities, and the role of Chinese society in the context of Indonesia's diversity.