Indonesia: home to what is believed to be the world's largest menorah. Credit: Jstylemagazine.com.
Waiting in the canteen at my granddaughter’s primary school, I often pass the time in the company of a friend, a young Chinese Indonesian father. We relax together as our children play, discussing Indonesian affairs, children, local business prospects.
It is quite normal in Indonesia to ask what religion a person follows. I had always assumed this young father was probably a Protestant Christian. Something he said must have put my assessment in doubt, so I asked him:
‘What religion are you?’
He looked downwards, as if disclosing something he feared might be slightly embarrassing. His look suggested self-deprecation mixed with caution, the caution, perhaps, that comes from belonging to a minority that has in the past been badly victimised.
I didn’t hear his reply: ‘You are Christian aren’t you?’
