Many people argue that the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar is a matter of religion or even ethnic differences. But an analyst from SADF's Head of Research, Siegfried O. Wolf argues, the crisis is more political and economic.
Ethnic Rohingnya is a majority Muslim community, and live in the state of Rakhine, Myanmar. Their number is about a million, but they are not the largest group of people in Rakhine. Most of the Rakhine are Buddhists. The community of Rakhine citizens feels culturally discriminated against, also economically exploited and politically dismantled by the central, predominantly Burmese government. In this special context, Rohingyas regarded the Rakhine people as additional rivals and threats to their own identity. Buddhists in Rakhine also got a call from their monk to slaughter ethnic Rohingya (muslim). This is the main cause of tension in the state, and has resulted in casualties from the Muslim Rohingya. Ethnic Rohingya gets inhumane behavior,
In addition, the Rakhine group feels betrayed politically, because the Rohingians do not vote for their political party. This causes added tension. Meanwhile, the government does not encourage reconciliation, but supports Buddhist fundamentalists with a view to safeguarding their interests in the resource-rich region. These factors are the main cause behind conflicts between ethnic and interreligious groups. This is also the cause of the deteriorating living conditions of Rohingyas, as well as violations of their socio-political rights.
In short, domestic solutions to Rohingnya problems can only be achieved if the ruling Myanmar elite, as well as the decision-makers, change their mindset. But the seizure of natural resources, the advantages of development projects and the rise of fundamentalist Buddhist groups are likely to prevent that from happening.
Why do Buddhist Buddhists oppose Rohingyas? Is this just a matter of religion, or is there some other problem?
Interreligious relations in Myanmar is a very complex issue. Muslims, especially Rohingyas, are confronted with a deep fear of Islam in a predominantly Buddhist society and country. Fundamental citizens claim that Buddhist culture and society are pushed by Muslims. Moreover, Myanmar is surrounded by countries that are predominantly Muslim, such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia. Rohingnya citizens are considered a threat to the lifestyle and Buddhist beliefs, and so the road to the Islamization of Myanmar.
But this problem also has an economic aspect. Rakhine is one of the poorest states, though rich in natural resources. So the Rohingyas are considered an additional economic burden, if they compete for jobs and opportunities to do business. Jobs and businesses in the state are mostly controlled by the elite Burmese. So practically speaking, Buddhism's dislike toward Rohingyas is not just a matter of religion or ethnicity but is driven by political and economic problems.
Is the democratization process in Myanmar helping Rohingya?
This process has not produced improvements in the condition of society. Burmese politics proves that the democratic process can lead to a regime that represents the majority, and does not pay any attention to minority citizens altogether. Myanmar has a political system based on majority rule without institutional protection for minority rights.
Nevertheless, there is great hope that democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will change the situation and try to make the political culture that encapsulates all citizens can be created. But the Nobel peace laureate has shocked many political observers for failing to comment on the woes of his Rohingians. I think substantial reforms in the country's electoral system can help minorities, but the majority will prevent this change.
Today many Rohingyas have fled to neighboring countries, such as to Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and other neighboring countries. But still Rohingya residents are considered illegal immigrants who have to pay visas and taxes. So far Turkey is responsible for all these costs, but specifically in Indonesia, Rohingyas are borne directly from the Indonesian Government.
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