Indonesia's First Female Doctor of Sociology Dies

Sociology researcher and scientist, Mely G Tan, who researched extensively on Chinese ethnicity in Indonesia, has passed away.

KOMPAS/NINUK MARDIANA PAMBUDY (NMP)

Mely G Tan, Sociologist

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The first female doctor in the field of Sociology in Indonesia, Dr Mely Tan Giok Lan, breathed her last breath at Medistra Hospital, Jakarta, Tuesday (30/4/2024) at 06.20 . The deceased, better known as Mely G Tan, died at the age of 93 years.

Chairwoman of the Cahaya Guru Foundation, Henny Supolo Sitepu, who was previously involved in the Ethics Council of the Eijkman Institute, said that based on the information shared, the deceased passed away at Medistra Hospital. The deceased is laid to rest at the Carolus funeral home in Jakarta and will later be cremated.

Condolences were also conveyed by the extended family of the FISIP Sociology Study Program University of Indonesia (UI). The deceased was once an extraordinary lecturer at the Department of Sociology at UI.

Mely was one of the foundation stones for the development of UI Sociology in the 1960s. One of his thoughts was about the assimilation of Chinese in Indonesia.

Mely G Tan, as a researcher or scientist, has received the Dedicated Scholar award from the daily Kompas. He received the award in 2010 along with a number of figures, namely Sediono MP Tjondronegoro (sociologist), RP Soejono (archaeologist), Adnan Buyung Nasution (advocate), and Bambang Hidayat (astronomer). The award was presented by the General Leader of the Daily Kompas Jakob Oetama, Monday (28/6/2010), in Jakarta. This event took place as part of a series of celebrations for the 45th anniversary of the daily Kompas.

As a researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Mely G. Tan, a Chinese descendant born on June 11, 1930, was also involved in the formation of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan). The establishment of this institution originated from the post-May 1998 riots when a number of women leaders who were part of the Anti-Violence Society against Women, including Saparinah Sadli, Mayling Oey, Mely G. Tan, and Shinta Nuriyah, had an audience with President BJ Habibie on July 15, 1998.

Mely was one of the founders of the development of Sociology at UI in the 1960s. One of her thoughts was about the assimilation of Chinese people in Indonesia.

Mely earned her bachelor's degree from UI. She then received a scholarship to attend Cornell University, the United States (US). She continued her studies to the doctoral level at the University of California, US, making her the first Indonesian woman to hold a doctorate in the field of Sociology.

Mely has done a lot of research and writing about the Chinese ethnic group in Indonesia. In 2009, she received the Nabil Award for her contributions to research, publication, academic works, and other activities that enlighten the public.

His expertise in the field of Sociology, particularly in relation to intergroup relations with a focus on the ethnic Chinese group in Indonesia, social stratification and integrity, as well as gender and development, has made him known in the international arena. Nevertheless, he is known as a humble figure.

As quoted by Kompas (1/11/2009), Mely conveyed the need for Sociology scientists to play a more active role and voice. "Actually, sociology and politics are closer, also with economics, compared to just sociology," said Mely

Regarding the integration of the Chinese ethnic group into society, Mely stated that stereotypes towards the Chinese ethnicity should disappear even though it may take time. The basis is by acknowledging and accepting that Indonesian society is pluralistic and diverse. There is no country in the world that is homogeneous, both in terms of religion and ethnicity.

Also read: Komnas Perempuan, 25 Years of Speaking Together with Women Victims of Violence

"We must accept this even though it is not easy because we must respect and appreciate differences. If not, it can be difficult to get there because there are always things that differentiate people," said Mely.