On the trend of more Chinese running for election in Indonesia, SMU Assistant Professor of Asian Studies Hoon Chang Yau noted that, within the Chinese community, there is the growing realisation that political participation is the "only way change can take place". Several Chinese parties were formed, and political participation was ethnic-based. "But very soon they realised they didn't have enough numbers, and that the ethnic approach wouldn't work as it further reproduces the stereotype that Chinese are exclusive," said Assistant Prof Hoon.