May riots in indonesia - Research Paper Example

It is worth noting that these named locations were strongholds of the Chinese community, who had developed fairly than other locals in business economically, and even established their homes around. Many believe that there was misleading information on the influencers of the riots, some accusing the government, military and elite groups’ involvement in the mass destruction to secure their interests. Other violent movements had been conducted as early as in 1965 among others minor cases worth mentioning, to the 1998 May riots, which was the peak of destruction that undermined the country’s reputation; however, all these incidences demonstrated the specific history of anti-Chinese sentiment and oppression in Indonesia.

Thesis statement: The riots began as student peaceful movement protesting against the death of their fellow reformist, but later became politically motivated to force resignation of President Suharto. The violence of the riots intensified when the non-students, young and poor people in the urban areas took advantage of the country’s situation to cause lootings, steer destruction and human violation against the rivaled Chinese community. The local Indonesian rioters rage highly impacted on Chinese ethnicity, their women being sexually assaulted and causing many of the locals and foreigners to leave or migrate.

The political and economical instability led to the eruption of the riots, whose effects were later characterized as anti-Chinese action. Cause of the Riot In the month of May, the students had been protesting against the death of their fellow reformist and students, who generally hoped to have change considering the economical situation and the political climate that was unsuitable to steer the nation ahead. The Suharto regime was characterized by a lot of corruption and had been in power for thirty two years (Abrash pbs.org). In his position, the public interest was disregarded as he sought to show favourism towards his family and elite groups who were few, but very rich in the development over time.

Apart from the potential Chinese businesses, his favorites had established growing businesses, which were believed to have steered the public anger over Suharto rule. Coincidentally, the gasoline price hike as a reform measure that was being implemented by the government, gave an opportunity for severe riots in major contested towns. The incident became serious when 6 of university students were shot dead in a Jakarta on 13 May, in a confrontation with the Indonesian security forces (“Refugee review” 3).

On the same day, the riots spread across Medan, Solo, and Jakarta among other areas as the non-students or young urban men took control of the riots, while the students mourned the fall of their fellow students. As a result of the differences in the economy and power, the Chinese were the major scapegoat beside the minority elites and royal family. The demonstrating students from different universities later marched forth to the parliament building demanding the stepping down of President Suharto, which was later a success.

Effects of 1998 Riots Chinese women rape: Following the Chinese community being the targeted group in the country, their women and female children risked being violated sexually in the times of the riots. The families therefore had an obligation to secure their women, even if it meant moving out of the country for their safety.