Memories of Unbelonging

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The ethnic Chinese in Indonesia have faced a complex history, often viewed as a market-dominant minority with questionable loyalty. Under Suharto's New Order regime, a cultural assimilation policy suppressed Chinese languages, cultural expressions, and organizations for over thirty years, only lifting in 1998 after anti-Chinese riots. In the post-Suharto era, Chinese Indonesians began to reclaim their cultural identity. This ethnographic study explores how collective memories of state-sponsored discrimination have influenced Chinese identity politics in Indonesia. Through case studies and in-depth analysis, anthropologist Charlotte Setijadi reveals that trauma narratives are central to contemporary Chinese identity. The book examines various domains, including residential areas, education, arts, and politics, illustrating how different generations navigate their historical trauma and ethnic identity in a post-assimilation context. Rather than being passive victims, the ethnic Chinese actively challenge stereotypes and redefine acceptable Chineseness. This focus on agency contrasts with traditional views of Chinese Indonesians as oppressed. Additionally, the analysis situates these dynamics within the context of China's rise, highlighting how ongoing local anti-Chinese sentiments and renewed pride in China's global status influence ethnic and national belonging among Chinese Indonesians. The work provides fresh insights into th