China or Tiongkok: Understanding the Names for China and the Chinese Diaspora in Indonesia

The terms 'China' and 'Tiongkok' are often used interchangeably in Indonesia when referring to the East Asian country. However, the origins and connotations of these names, along with 'Tionghoa,' reveal a complex history rooted in culture, politics, and linguistics. 'Tiongkok' originates from the Mandarin word 'Zhongguo' [ʈʂʊ́ŋ.kwǒ], meaning 'Middle Kingdom.' This term dates back over 3,000 years, with early evidence found on an ancient bronze vessel called Hezun from the Western Zhou Dynasty. The inscription 'Zhai zi Zhong Guo' meant 'living in the middle of the world'. The name 'China,' however, doesn't come from Mandarin. Historical records suggest it likely derives from the Sanskrit term 'Cina,' referring to the Qin Dynasty (pronounced 'Chin'). Persian traders then spread this name, calling the region 'Cin,' which led to the global popularity of 'China'. The term 'Tionghoa' is closely linked to the migration of Chinese people to the Indonesian archipelago in the 13th century. Most migrants came from southern China and spoke the Hokkien dialect. In Hokkien, 'Zhongguo' is pronounced 'Tiong-kok,' and its people are called 'Tionghoa'. Because the Hokkien pronunciation was easier for locals to understand, 'Tionghoa' became the established term for referring to Chinese ethnicity in Indonesia. 'Tiongkok' is often used in formal contexts, such as media reports and official government documents. 'Tionghoa' refers specifically to the ethnic Chinese population in Indonesia. Historically, the use of 'China' or 'Cina' became controversial due to perceived discriminatory connotations. Consequently, during the Reformation era, the Indonesian government officially encouraged the use of 'Tiongkok' and 'Tionghoa' in appropriate contexts.