Modest Celebrations Across the Country

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

Chinese people pray before the Chinese New Year at Vihara Dharma Bakti, Glodok, West Jakarta, Monday (31/1/2022). In the atmosphere of the Covid-19 pandemic, the temple administrator did not hold worship on Chinese New Year's Eve. The Lunar New Year celebration on Tuesday (1/2/2022) will be held in a limited manner, the number of people allowed to pray Chinese New Year is a maximum of 50 people and take turns..

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The 2,573rd Lunar New Year celebrations were modest, adapting to a Covid-19 pandemic that is not under control yet. Even so, residents who celebrated the occasion rejoiced with their families while praying for hope and prosperity this year.

The Lunar New Year ambiance can still be felt in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, through the presence of thousands of lanterns that adorn a number of main roads. However, Lunar New Yar celebrations, which usually enliven the City of a Thousand Temples were not held this year.

The temples were still crowded with people who came to pray. They continued to follow health protocols, such as wearing masks and washing their hands before entering the places of worship.

"Right now, [we’re] in a difficult situation because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the future, I hope it will be better and there will be no obstacles. Hopefully, the pandemic will be gone quickly," said Mimi, 32, a resident of Singkawang, on Monday evening (31/1/2022).

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Singkawang Mayor Tjhai Chui Mie and his family also came to the Tri Dharma Bumi Raya Vihara to pray on Monday night. He perceives this Year of the Water Tiger as enthusiasm and courage to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday morning (1/2), many shophouses on Singkawang's main road were closed. Residents celebrated Lunar New Year by gathering with their families at home. Some went to a temple to pray.

The implementation of strict health protocols was also carried out during Lunar New Year celebrations and prayers in Surakarta, Central Java. One of them was in Tien Kok Sie temple.

"Health protocols must be strictly enforced because of the Covid-19 pandemic. We prevent transmission from occurring during worship," said the head of the Tien Kok Sie Temple Foundation, Sumantri Dana Waluya.

EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA

The atmosphere of the Chinese New Year night on one of the main streets of Singkawang City, West Kalimantan, Monday (31/1/2022).

The lively Lunar New Year celebrations in Surakarta were marked with the installation of around 1,000 lanterns by the Surakarta Community Association at the Pasar Gede area. The lanterns are lit from 5 to 9 p.m.

"Lunar New Year is a blessing for all. We are tightening the supervision [of health protocols]. There’s only worship at the temple, so no problem," said Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

In Palembang, South Sumatra, Lunar New Year celebrations were also not as lively as before the pandemic. There was no lion dance performance. There were not as many lanterns on display as before the pandemic.

"It feels like something is missing. It's like the Lunar New Year is less festive this time," said Guan, 30, who had just finished a worship service at Tri Dharma Chandra Nadi temple in Palembang on Tuesday morning.

Greetings From the President and Vice President

In Jakarta, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin wished people a happy Lunar New Year. The President hoped that luck, love and health will always be with the entire Indonesian nation.

“Challenges come and go, but humans have been equipped with strength, courage and the ability to face them. That's why, in these difficult times, we still float all the lanterns of hope. May luck, love and health always be with all of us. Gong Xi Fa Cai," said the President on his social media pages.

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Meanwhile, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin said the ambiance of Lunar New Year celebration was always warm and happy. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, he hopes the meaning of Lunar New Year this year will not diminish.

“Lunar New Year is very closely related to a warm and joyful family atmosphere. Despite various limitations caused by the pandemic, I hope it will not reduce the meaning of Lunar New Year," he added. (ESA/NCA/RAM/WKM)

This article was translated by Kurniawan Siswo.