This study examines racial discrimination against Chinese-Indonesians through the lens of classical sociological theories proposed by Émile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Karl Marx. Despite Indonesia’s national narrative of unity in diversity, Chinese-Indonesians have historically experienced social exclusion, stereotyping, and misdirected violence, notably during the 1998 Asian Monetary Crisis. Using secondary data from academic literature, media reports, and institutional studies, this study explores the historical, economic, and contemporary dimensions of discrimination experienced by ethnic Chinese in Indonesia. Durkheim’s concept of collective conscience is used to explain cultural exclusion; Weber’s theory of social stratification highlights the disconnection between economic class, social status, and political influence; and Marx’s class conflict framework illustrates how economic frustration can escalate into social tension. The findings suggest that discrimination against Chinese-Indonesians is not solely rooted in cultural difference but is structurally embedded within social norms, economic perceptions, and power relations. This study contributes to academic discussions on ethnicity and inequality in Indonesia from a classical sociological lens, and emphasizes the importance of narrative change, education, and inclusive social frameworks in addressing racial discrimination.