Group Blog Article # 3 (Rossy Verona & Catur Hadianto)
Basque and Catalonian demand for independence from Spain remains an issue in Spain until today. Ethnic conflicts in Spain are not entities in themselves as they are caused by various factors that rooted from history and influenced by current development in Spain. A democratic Spain has given opportunities for Basque and Catalonian to enjoy autonomous zones share powers with Madrid. They also obtained vast control over their own affairs particularly in the areas of health, policing, and education.[i] Despite maintaining core identities, Basque and Catalan nationalism has changed over the years.
This article will assess and compare different approaches and standpoints on how the Spanish Government responded to the two nationalisms demanding for independence and what can Indonesia learn from the development of ethnic conflict in Spain.
Although Basques and Catalonian nationalisms share many common characters, yet they have differences in certain aspects and platform of their movements.[ii] Over the years, they are also exempted them from some taxes and military service requirements over the years. Both Basques and Catalans have maintained linguistic, cultural, and economic differences with the rest of Spain.
In the past, both the Basque and Catalonian were crackdown by the Central Government who suppressed the use of regional language or any outward display of sub-nationalism. Basque ETA launched violent attack in 1968, an open violence to seek independence. The Spanish government denied their independence and Basque ETA became a rebellion. According to USIP special report in 2015, disagreement on whether ETA represented as criminal terrorism or the violent manifestation of an unresolved political conflict had a direct impact on Spain’s difficulties in establishing a clear strategy against ETA.[iii] With the issuance of Spanish new constitution in 1978, Spain did not separate Basque and Catalonian from Spain, which later caused public outcry.
The Spanish Constitution does not allow separation and referendum. Spain is avoiding all possibilities of endangering countries’ unity by keeping power off from Basque and Catalonians and would most likely maintain status quo with the two nationalisms. Both the Basque and the Catalonian have different interests whereas Basque wants to have control and power over its own land, while Catalonia wants to develop its language and culture separated from the Spain. That’s explain why Catalonian are more civic-minded and tolerant of outsiders. The fiscal sovereignty and the lower level of unemployment has made separatist sentiment becomes less audible.[iv] The other factor might be because the region maintains so much self-rule already.
Learning from ethnic conflicts in Spain, Indonesia as democratic country believes on the importance of maintaining national integrity and sovereignty. Experience in the past has also taught Indonesia that ethnic conflicts toward national identity might lead to disintegration if it is not managed well with appropriate approaches. Crucial factors such as inequality in political, economic and social culture should be addressed. The impacts of development should be well enjoyed by all communities. Indonesia also implements autonomy to its regions. Being a pluralistic country, Indonesia could learn from other countries’ experience in dealing with their ethnic conflicts from legal, political, economic, and social culture perspectives as a way of improving its own policies and approaches.
In conclusion, ethnic conflicts toward national identity is complex in nature and need to be address comprehensively. Against this backdrop, Indonesia may consider taking the following options:
First, Indonesia should engage cooperation with the Spanish Government in activities that empowering communities or religious leaders of both countries on social culture issues.
By doing so, Indonesia can understand more on the rich and diverse culture of Spain. Based on Indonesia’s experience, promoting tolerance and understanding among different ethnics are important. The Indonesian Government has always increased the awareness of its people on tolerance and harmony.
Second, promoting sister city cooperation between cities that have autonomy between the Indonesia and Spain should be encouraged too.
In the past, the province of Aceh was the region of military operation (Daerah Operasi Militer/DOM). After tsunami in 2004 and negotiations by the central government, the province of Aceh currently has the autonomy status. The autonomy has helped Aceh Province to increase its economy and social cultural development.
Taking into consideration the importance of the above policy options, it is recommended that both options be taken by prioritizing option one as the short term goal.
[i] https://www.fairobserver.com/region/europe/basque-and-catalan-nationalism-evolution/
[ii] https://prezi.com/ddw0vytymobe/ethnic-conflict-in-spain-basque-and-catalan-nationalism/
[iii] http://www.basquepeaceprocess.info/2015/12/11/usip-special-report-on-the-basque-country/
[iv] Fairobserver, Ibid
Catur Hadianto 