Imlek, the Beginning of a New Life

The Chinese New Year, commonly called Imlek, will be celebrated by ethnic Chinese citizens on Sunday (22/1/2023), tomorrow. This year, Imlek is taking place at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Residents of Chinese descent pray at the Hok Lay Liong Temple in Margahayu, Bekasi City, West Java, Friday (1/20/2023) evening.

For the ethnic Chinese in the country and also other residents joining the celebration, Imlek 2574 (lunar calendar) is the 24^th time after President Abdurrahman Wahid (1999-2001) issued Presidential Decree No.6/2000, which revoked Presidential Instruction No.14/1967 on the Chinese Religion, Faith and Tradition.

Presidential Decree No.6/2000, which was promptly followed by the realization of various events of the Chinese religion, culture and faith in Indonesia, acted as a manifestation of the state’s presence to protect the rights of its citizens. Imlek was also declared a national holiday so that residents who celebrate it can freely and dutifully observe the event.

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The Imlek celebration is believed to have taken place in the era of Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). At the time, people held sacrificial ceremonies to revere gods and ancestors at the beginning and end of the year. The story about Imlek was also filled with the legend of attacks by a monster called Nian, which was scared of loud noises and the red color. Residents fought the monster and defeated it so that they could start and end the year with joy and prosperity.

Based on the story, the essence of the Imlek celebration is to cultivate oneself and change one’s life toward a better condition in a new spirit. Chinese residents, especially Confucianists, are called upon to practice their religious teachings and traditions more properly, always adopting the path of harmony in life. This spirit seems to be quite relevant to the current situation of the nation, which this year is beginning to leave behind the COVID-19 pandemic. People are entering the phase of a new life and it is impossible to be on their own or only rely on their groups, but rather they should work together with other fellow citizens in a harmonious fashion.

KOMPAS/EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA

Residents celebrate Chinese New Year in Singkawang City, West Kalimantan, Friday (20/1/2023).

The Chinese New Year is also always designated with an animal symbol according to the cycle of the zodiac. The year 2023 is the water rabbit year, symbolizing long life, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture. This year can also be understood as one in which there is hope that the Indonesian nation is not only entering a COVID-19 endemic era, but also a year satiated with peace and prosperity. This is the beginning year of a new life.

The Chinese New Year is also always designated with an animal symbol according to the cycle of the zodiac.

The 2024 general elections, to be organized on 14 February next year, four days after the Water Rabbit year ends, are also expected to run peacefully and result in a government that can bring welfare and prosperity to the population. This hope will only materialize if all the people of Indonesia respect one another and work together for their common welfare, in a harmonious atmosphere.

At the Imlek 2573 celebration on 5 February 2022, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo declared that the occasion should provide inspiration to strengthen moderate and tolerant religious life. Tolerance is the most important part of the effort to safeguard the life of the nation and state. The government is also committed to keep encouraging religious moderation in social life. Gong Xi Fa Cai....

This article was translated by Aris Prawira.