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Chinese has been recorded living in nowadays Indonesia - the biggest archipelago country on earth and the fourth populated country in the world, for hundreds of years. Although Chinese population remained considered as minority, its presence in the country has flourished and assimilated into diverse groups. Diversity is the strong point and main feature of Indonesia, yet it is also its weakness. Chinese has been part of the country starting from pre-Dutch colonial power, the country’s independence in 1945 and into present time, yet for some, their presence is still questioned, and their loyalty to the country is still doubted, sometime even involved into unwanted tragedy. The country’s motto “unity in diversity” is still questioned right until present time.
In the end of 20th century, many Chinese fled the country to escape from the infamous May Riot in 1998, many has been forced to question their belonging once again, including the author himself. Growing up as a Chinese Indonesian in several foreign countries, the author has been questioned its differences by other Chinese groups, forced to doubt his identity. Through this creation research, by interviewing and recollect remained photographs of family member, and through literature research, it is aimed to integrate the author family’s history, how they stood still in many circumstances and find balance to build home. The creation focus on family photographs, which is distorted and mutilated into mischief, peculiar yet realistic images that represent the diversity identity of Chinese Indonesian. It is hope for viewer to reconnect with their family history, and reverberate into the connection between them.
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