Universitas Indonesia Conferences, International Conference on Chinese Indonesian Studies

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Chineseness in the lives of Chinese Indonesians: A challenge in facing China foreign policy in Southeast Asia
Esther Harijanti Kuntjara

Last modified: 2017-07-11

Abstract


Chinese Indonesians who have been living in the archipelago for many centuries have undergone a lot of struggle in order to adjust themselves with the local cultures. Their experiences have resulted in the forming of their hybrid cultures and attachment to the local cultures. This paper discusses the relationships of China and Chinese Indonesians in terms of how Chinese Indonesians have undergone some gradual loss of their Chineseness and how the condition can be seen from their on-going detachment in their relation with China and the Chineseness in their daily language for communication, their practice of naming, their use of Chinese kinship terms, the Cultural celebration during Chinese holidays and the maintenance of some Chinese artefacts. Eventually, this situation may become a challenge for China foreign policy in Southeast Asia as China is embracing Chinese overseas to get involved in supporting their ‘One Belt One Road’ strategy. Chinese Indonesians need a tactful consideration to stand in their chosen position.