The History And Current Status Of The Returned Overseas Chinese In Indonesia

The writer puts an expectation from this thesis that all readers in China or Indonesia would understand that there are some Returned Overseas Chinese from Indonesia in Kunming who love and miss Indonesia, they have even established the association of Returned Overseas Chinese from Indonesia. The objective of this thesis is to let Chinese descendants in Indonesia be more interested in Chinese culture since China is their ancestral home.The thesis is divided into four chapters. The first chapter introduces and explains Indonesian Chinese descendants nationality matter. In the past, Indonesian Chinese descendants had dual nationality (Chinese and Indonesian). The reason why they had this dual nationality was because China was acknowledged as their descent country; on the other hand, Indonesia was the country that they were born in. Chapter one not only describes the dual nationality background and how the problem that occurred afterwards was overcome, but also its influence towards Chinese descendants in Indonesia. According to the agreement between China and Indonesia from 22 April 1959 People's Republic of China and Republic of Indonesia regarding dual nationality pact Chinese descendants in Indonesia had to choose only one nationality and they had time of around two years (until 25 December 1960) to decide before the implementation of that agreement. The document seemed to solve the issue, nevertheless the realization was not as smooth as expected, controversy occurred everywhere among Chinese descendants in Indonesia. Not only was it because of Indonesian Government aspect, but also the announcement was not strong enough.The main point of the second chapter is the position of Overseas Chinese at the time of their come back to China.1960s was the most difficult time for Indonesian Chinese descendants since racism towards them occurred evidently and for this case they decided to return to China. After returning to China they were mostly sent to farms as farm labours (those groups were called "Suffered Returned Overseas Chinese"), some of them were sent to schools (these were called "Youth Returned Overseas Chinese").The third chapter describes Returned Overseas Chinese situation and condition nowadays. They have been staying in China for more than 50 years and right now it can be said it is their moment of undisturbed and joyful life. Basically, these Returned Overseas Chinese in Kunming are retired. After retirement they are enjoying pension, medical treatment, free bus transportation, free entry ticket to Public Gardens, fewer worries, life is completely filled with joy. On 1 May 1988, Indonesian Returned Overseas Chinese established the Indonesian Chinese Alumni Association and later changed the name to " Yunnan Province Indonesian Returned Overseas Chinese Association". It is now 23 years of its existence. This association is means of helping and taking care of one another.In the fourth chapter, the main point is the recognition of Returned Overseas Chinese as mediators. Thanks to the association, their position as the mediator between China and Indonesia has become more important. Even though they have been living in China for more than 50 years, but Indonesian language is still dominant in their communication. Also, from the cultural aspect, their performances have been even broadcasted at Indonesia Television Channel.Who never knows that there are a lot of Indonesian Returned Overseas Chinese in Kunming who still can speak Indonesian language, sing Indonesian songs and dance Indonesian tradition dances, this situation attracts attention from Indonesian people, including native Indonesian. Currently, diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China is getting better. This condition is visible in the society, hence it is called as Chinese-fever. From the economic aspect, China economy development also gives significant influence to Indonesian education changes. Chinese language curriculum is introduced as an important subject at schools. Life standard of Indonesian Returned Overseas Chinese is also promoted due to economy and society development. Because of China economy growth, Chinese descendants in Indonesia have no more social pressure, they can freely spread out their ancestors'culture, language, etc.