ScHooL

Chinese school

The native philosophers remained to hold their original philosophies until the coming of Chinese migrants between 1122-222 BC who brought and introduced Taoism and Confucianism to them (Larope 1986:4). The two foreign philosophies and the local ones then diffused and penetrated; so mixed that they could not be dissolved (SarDesai 1989:9-13). One of the remnants of the diffused philosophy, which is still practiced by all Indonesians to date, is the Confucian notion of hsiao (Pinyin: 'Xiao', 孝; Indonesian: menghormati orangtua). The notion teaches that one must respect his parents above other things. He must prioritize his parents before he gives priority to others.

Chinese school seems to be exclusive, as it is only developed mostly by few Chinese ethnic members of Indonesia. Nevertheless, the philosophy it contributed to Indonesian philosophical tradition is very significant. Sun Yat-senism, Maoism, and Neo-maoism are important philosophies that were widespread all over Indonesia in the early 1900’s, together with the great growth of Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) (Suryadinata 1990:15).

The main philosophers of this school, among others, are: Tjoe Bou San, Kwee Hing Tjiat, Liem Koen Hian, Kwee Kek Beng, and Tan Ling Djie.