Greetings of respect and peace,

His Excellency, Mr. President,

I hope this message finds you well.

I’m reaching out to you not just as a citizen, but as someone who feels a deep connection to our beloved Indonesia. As an Indonesian of Chinese descent, born and raised here, I’ve come to cherish this country, even with its ups and downs.

I’m writing this letter not from a place of anger, but from a heartfelt wish to contribute. I dream of a Golden Indonesia 20245—not just a catchy phrase, but as a real future for everyone. Like a child who gently nudges his parents back on track, I feel compelled to share my thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

One issue that weighs heavily on the hearts of many Indonesians of Chinese descent is the persistent discrimination we face. Even though we’ve been independent since 1945, many of us still feel like we don’t fully belong. We often hear the term “Chinese” used in a derogatory way, despite the fact that we were born, live, and will die here. Our blood runs as red, and our sweat is just as salty as any other citizen’s.

His Excellency, Mr. President,

Religious intolerance is another pressing concern. I’ve seen and read about how some communities resist the building of non-Muslim places of worship, even when all administrative requirements had been met. While the majority Muslims in Indonesia are warm and accepting, it’s disheartening when a small, loud group gets to dictate the narrative, tarnishing our nation’s image. Have we forgotten the core principle of Pancasila—Belief in the One and Only God—which should ensure equal rights for all religions?

Indonesia is meant to be a shared home for everyone. “Unity in Diversity” isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a serious commitment. A commitment that every citizen, from Sabang to Merauke, regardless of their background or beliefs, will be treated with fairness. If we fail to uphold that promise, the very foundation of our nation will begin to crumble.

I also concern about corruption. It’s a deep-seated wound in our society. How can those who are paid with the people’s money have the audacity to rob them of their rights? How can those meant to protect us turn into predators wearing uniforms? If our children grow up witnessing honesty being undervalued, how can we expect them to become citizens who truly love their country?

Education is equally concerning. Our curriculum shifts like the latest trends, yet teachers and students are left to struggle. I’ve seen educators worn out and bewildered by constant changes, while students become fixated on grades rather than character and genuine knowledge. Education should be the very heart of our civilization, shouldn’t it?

Let’s not overlook a painful chapter in our history: the violence against Chinese women during the May 1998 riots. The scars are still there, as many choose to remain silent. Just because we erase this tragedy from our history books doesn’t mean the trauma disappears.

His Excellency, Mr. President,

Despite all of this, I still hold onto hope. I believe that the future of Indonesia isn’t just for the privileged few—it belongs to everyone who loves this nation. And love must be expressed. I will teach my children to love this land without conditions. I will speak the truth—not to tear you down, but to help you steer clear of mistakes.

I dream of Golden Indonesia 2045: an Indonesia that is wise, fair and compassionate. I see children from Papua stepping up as leaders, and Chinese-Indonesian women serving as ministers or governors without facing suspicion. A young Dayak man has the potential to rise to the rank of general, free from the constraints of stereotypes.

But achieving that future means we need to let go of suspicion, selfishness and greed. It calls for us to view each other as brothers, not as obstacles. We must really understand that our differences are not threats, but rather divine gifts.

His Excellency, Mr. President,

I know the road ahead will be tough. There will be moments when we have to tackle steep challenges. But I promise to keep writing, teaching, working, speaking and praying for our beloved country. I’m dedicated to my lovely country, as Indonesia is the only home I have. This is how I show my love for Indonesia, my one and only homeland.

With all my sincere respect and love,

A proud Indonesian citizen,

Budianto Sutrisno

Source of picture: www.cna.id