Disaster and Discrimination: The Ethnic Chinese Minority in Padang in the Aftermath of the September 2009 Earthquake

Debates over the issue of discrimination against ethnic Chinese in Padang, West Sumatra, in the aftermath of the September 2009 earthquake centre on the reality of such discrimination. On the one hand, many ethnic Chinese in the city acknowledge that they felt discriminated against. This feeling arose from the very slow and limited response to their own and their family’s needs during the emergency situation and recovery process. On the other hand, the pribumi residents and the authorities insist that there was no discrimination. They argue that ethnic Chinese are guilty of exaggeration. In-depth interviews undertaken during June–September and a survey of the news media suggest a need to consider the social complexities surrounding disaster management and recovery.