Chinese Australians condemn racial violence in Indonesia

Chinese Australians condemn racial violence in Indonesia

By Vannessa Hearman

MELBOURNE -- More than 25 Chinese organisations in Victoria joined a 600-strong rally outside the Indonesian consulate on August 23 to protest against anti-Chinese violence in Indonesia.

The groups -- including the Timor Ethnic Chinese Community, Federation of Chinese Associations and Cambodian Chinese Friendship Association -- demanded that the Indonesian government thoroughly investigate the campaign of terror against the Chinese Indonesians. They also demanded that the victims of violence be compensated.

The angry crowd held banners and placards which placed the blame firmly on Suharto and the military for masterminding the racial violence.

Speakers included Hong Lim, ALP state member for Springvale; Djin Siauw from the Anti-Racist Coalition; and Li Lai, City of Yarra councillor. Lim condemned the Australian government's collusion with the Suharto and Habibie regimes.

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