Jakarta. The Chinese New Year (Imlek) celebration in Indonesia unfolded peacefully, devoid of grand celebrations and fireworks, as it coincides with the campaign activities of all presidential candidates in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin urged the Chinese Indonesian community to use the Imlek celebration as an opportunity for self-reflection and to enhance integrity.

"In this solemn atmosphere, let us welcome Imlek as an opportunity to improve ourselves, enhance our integrity, and strengthen our commitment to the progress of the nation and the country so that we are ready to face future challenges," said the Vice President in his message conveyed via video from Jakarta on Saturday.

From the Dutch colonial era, Chinese-Indonesians have encountered discrimination, yet relations have significantly improved since the 1998 riots. However, in recent times, many Chinese-Indonesians exercise caution during periods of political uncertainty, like the upcoming election. 

Observations by The Jakarta Globe's correspondents in various regions in Indonesia revealed that this year's celebration was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

The management of Xian Ma Temple in Makassar, South Sulawesi, imposed restrictions on the operational hours of worship to welcome the Lunar New Year due to the overlap with the campaign period of the 2024 elections. Xian Ma Temple is only open from 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM. The Mobile Brigade personnel of the South Sulawesi Regional Police sterilized and secured the temple to ensure the safety and comfort of Chinese residents of Xian Ma Temple celebrating Imlek.

Traditionally celebrated with grandeur, Klenteng Tjoe Hwie Kiong in Kediri, East Java, decided to skip the Imlek celebration. Tjoe Hwie Kiong Temple, founded in 1895, usually holds a lively Imlek celebration with lion and dragon dance (barongsai) performances.

"Because the celebration coincides with the election, this year we are not celebrating any events," said Halim Prayoga, the spokesperson for Tjoe Hwie Kiong, on Friday.

Halim explained that the decision to skip the Imlek celebration this year was to avoid the influence of politics leading up to the voting day of the 2024 Election on Feb. 14, 2024. The temple remains neutral and does not support any legislative candidates or presidential candidates.

In Nganjuk, East Java, barongsai performer Purnawan from Kudu Village, Kertosono District, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of orders for performances on this year's Imlek.

Traditionally, leading up to Imlek, there is usually a buzz of orders for barongsai performances, both in temples and other locations.

"This year's Chinese New Year celebration is very quiet in terms of lion dance performance orders. Because this Chinese New Year coincides with the election, bringing in crowds poses a risk of being ridden by political interests," he told the Jakarta Globe at his home on Saturday.

In Tangerang, the police chief, Commissioner  Zain Dwi Nugroho, said that 727 personnel are securing the Imlek moment.  "In our security measures, we ensure that officers use metal detectors and check the functioning of CCTV cameras in each temple," said Zain.

Meanwhile, a festive atmosphere was observed in the Chinatown in Pantjoran Pantai Indah Kapuk area in North Jakarta, a favorite destination for the Chinese-Indonesian community to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Distinctive Imlek ornaments have been installed, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Visitors are not only treated to culinary delights but also entertained with various performances. However, the atmosphere in Chinatown Glodok in North Jakarta is relatively calm today. Most worshipers chose to pray on Friday, a day before Imlek. 

On Saturday, Jakarta became the center of the grand campaign for presidential candidates Prabowo Subianto at Gelora Bung Karno and Anies Baswedan at the Jakarta International Stadium. Meanwhile, candidate Ganjar Pranowo conducted a grand campaign in Solo, Central Java.

In Pangkalpinang, Bangka, the atmosphere seemed lively, unlike other areas that restrained themselves from celebrating Imlek. Since Friday afternoon, Chinese residents flocked to Kwan Tie Miau Temple. Beyond the Chinese community, streets were filled with spectators eager to witness the barongsai performances.

Chairman of the Kwan Tie Miau Temple Foundation Pangkalpinang, Hendry Kurniawan, said that this year's New Year celebration is busier than before. He mentioned that the New Year's Eve celebration brings joy to all residents of Pangkalpinang.

"Because the history of Kwan Tie Miau is quite old on Bangka Island, this temple was built permanently in 1846, one of the oldest temples on Bangka Island, with a large congregation, so we hold lively events," said Hendry.

Add as a preferred source on Google +