10 January 2007

Chinese Moslems

Though having lived in the country for centuries, members of Indonesia’s Chinese communities are still often seen as ‘foreigners’, resented for their perceived domination of the economy and their success in business. In riots that took place in 1998 they were targeted for special persecution. The way they are treated reminds one of the way Jewish people are often portrayed and treated in some western societies

A small percentage of the Indonesian Chinese community is Moslem. In Surabaya out of 10,000, some 200 are Moslems. The Muhammad Zheng He Mosque, administered by PITI (Persatuan Islam Tionghoa Indonesia: Chinese Muslim Association of Indonesia) was built in 2002, the design inspired by the Niu Jie Mosque in Beijing. According to H.S Willy Pangestu, the Secretary of PITI, Chinese Moslems have “very good” relations with the media. The Mosque welcomes people of all faiths to visit and join in prayers.

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