Analysis of the Changes and Reasons for the ethnic Chinese Policy of Indonesian Government in the post-Suharto era

Abstract

After the May 1998 "May riots", Suharto stepped down from power and Habibie was sworn in as president, marking the beginning of the post-Suharto era in Indonesia. During the successive presidencies of Habibie, Wahid, Megawati, Susilo, and Joko Widodo, they each adjusted policies towards the Chinese Indonesians, respecting Chinese customs and safeguarding their political and cultural rights, resulting in an improvement of their status. The Indonesian government's policy adjustments towards the Chinese Indonesians went through a gradual and multi-faceted reform process, reflecting progressive values. Internationally, peace and development, democracy and progress became the trend of the times and Indonesia-China relations rapidly developed. Domestically, the rise of the democratic reform movement, the urgent demand to revitalize the economy, the advocacy of the Chinese Indonesians, and the personal traits of leaders all became significant driving forces behind the adjustment of ethnic Chinese policies.