Bong Chun Nam's Story About Changing His Name to Benny Gunawan

 

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By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the www.hukumindo.com platform has talk about "Indonesia and Australia Agree on Joint Security Treaty", "After Winning a Lawsuit Against His Son, a 97-year-old Man Can Legally Remarry", you may read also "Former Indian Police Officer Released After Serving 30 Years" and on this occasion we will discuss about 'Bong Chun Nam's Story About Changing His Name to Benny Gunawan'.

Among the congregation who came to worship at the Hok Lay Kiong Temple was Benny Gunawan (65), he stood calmly welcoming visitors. Not many people know that this man, who has lived in Bekasi for two decades, has another name, namely Bong Chun Nam. This name was given to him by his parents when he was born in 1961 in Singkawang, West Kalimantan. "My Chinese name was given to me by my parents when I was born. I am already part of the third generation. In my family, we are called by Chinese names," said Benny.[1]

His family still knew him as Bong Chun Nam. However, on official government documents, his name was listed as Benny Gunawan. Benny still remembers the major changes that occurred in the mid-1960s. At that time, Indonesia experienced political turmoil that had a wide impact on the lives of its Chinese descendants. During the New Order era, from 1966 to 1998, assimilation policies were strictly enforced. Through various regulations, including Presidential Decree No. 240 of 1967, Chinese cultural expression was restricted, and many Chinese citizens were encouraged and even administratively required to change their names to Indonesian ones. "In that year, the political situation was a bit turbulent. So there was a ban on the use of Chinese names. Since then, all our documents have been changed to Indonesian names. There are no written Chinese names anymore, now only verbally," said Benny. He admitted that the name change was not a personal choice, but rather an administrative requirement at the time.[2] And if you have any legal issue in Indonesia territory, contact us for business inquiry, feel free in 24 hour, we will be glad to assist you. 

*) For further information please contact:

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Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

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References:

1. "Kisah Bong Chun Nam Ganti Nama Jadi Benny Gunawan demi Dokumen Kependudukan", www.kompas.com., Nurpini Aulia Rapika & Faieq Hidayat, 16 Februari 2026, Diakses pada tanggal 18 Februari 2026, Link: https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2026/02/16/22520651/kisah-bong-chun-nam-ganti-nama-jadi-benny-gunawan-demi-dokumen.

2. Ibid.