Indonesians have no plans to heed Bendera’s call

KUALA LUMPUR: After 25 years of travelling to and from Medan, Sumatera, Talhaq Basir has reaped benefits from working in Malaysia.

The 53-year-old who is now a second-hand watch trader, used to be a technician for Petronas and Perwaja.

He has no plans to heed a recent call made by Benteng Demokrasi Rakyat (Bendera) for the two million Indo­nesians to return home to protect their country’s honour and sovereignty.

Talhaq also lauded President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s approach to settle matters amicably.

This is home: Talhaq (left) and friend Pak Akir (right) in Kampung Datuk Keramat. They have been living and serving in Malaysia for many years and regard Malaysia as their home.


Pariman, 60, from Bandung, an engineer working in the private sector, said actions by Bendera did not reflect Indonesia’s opinion regarding the recent issues.

“Demonstrations are part of our lives in Indonesia but it should have been done in a more peaceful manner,” he said.

On name-calling by Malaysians against Indonesians, he said he had even encountered people who were surprised that an Indonesian could be an engineer, but he had just brushed it aside.

Medan-born Apandi, 21, who has stayed here for two years, and works as a laundry shop assistant said there was no point in going back as he had come here legally to earn a living.

“On Facebook, people back home have asked me to return after they bought the idea of Bendera that Indonesia should sever all ties with Malaysia. My parents only advised me to take care of myself,” he said.

Thafaul, 25, a postgraduate student in Universiti Malaya said that while there may be Indonesian nationalists who agree with Bendera, he maintained that the good relationship between both countries should continue.

“Breaking ties is not the solution. It will only make things worse. We have a lot in common and share the same roots,” he said.

Indonesian Embassy Culture, Social and Information Councillor, Widyarka Ryananta said Indonesians working in Malaysia were mature enough to make a decision on whether they should return home.

“The people should not be easily provoked by the efforts of certain party to cause chaos.

“Our role in the embassy has always been to maintain a good relationship with our neighbouring countries,” he said.