2 Indonesian Citizens Fall Victim to Racial Abuse in the US

Varied reactions

Indonesian nationals in the US reacted in various ways to the spate of hate crimes, which reached unprecedented levels with a mass shooting in the US city of Atlanta which killed eight people, including six Asian women, on March 16.

Indonesian born Atlanta resident Daniel Fu expressed his shock at the attack. “Atlanta is calmer than other US cities like New York,” said the father of two. “But the recent shooting just shows that anyone from certain countries or ethnicities can be targeted [in Atlanta].”

His compatriot, Philadelphia denizen Robert Cratius, agreed. He noted that much of the hate came from the US’ divisive politics, particularly under former President Donald Trump.

“Unfortunately, [President Trump] normalized terms like KungFlu and the China Virus. Children see and learn from his example, before they eventually imitate him,” he lamented. “While bullying is a longtime problem here, I worry that it will worsen as Asians get scapegoated for Covid-19.”

But one overseas Indonesian, San Diego based real estate agent Agatha Bun, struck a more defiant tone. “Do not let terror in any form win!” she said, and maintained that there is nothing to fear.

Also read: Nearly 3,000 Indonesians Abroad Test Positive for Covid-19

“There is a lot of intolerance, many people believe hoaxes, while political leaders incite hatred, especially among the ignorant. But if we take all these [anti-Asian] incidents to heart, then it will be unhealthy to one’s body,” added the mother of two.

Stop AAPI Hate noted that Asian women are 2.3 times more likely to experience hate crimes than men.

(Editors: Danur Lambang Pristiandaru, Aditya Jaya Iswara)

Sources: 

https://www.kompas.com/global/read/2021/03/27/105334170/2-wni-jadi-korban-kekerasan-verbal-dan-fisik-di-as-ini-tanggapan-kemenlu?page=all#page2. 

https://www.kompas.com/global/read/2021/03/21/233530270/sentimen-anti-asia-meningkat-bagaimana-nasib-wni-di-as?page=all#page2.