"Today, I once again visit Dharma Bhakti Vihara, which is the oldest vihara in Indonesia. It was established in the 1650s. This is one of the centers of celebration for the Lunar New Year," the governor stated.
Baswedan, who was accompanied by his two sons -- Mikhail and Ismail -- congratulated those celebrating Lunar New Year.
"Gong Xi Fa Cai, wishing that this Lunar New Year brings blessing and success to all," he noted.
Baswedan and his son joined in the release of sparrows to symbolize freedom from problems and a journey to success.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Confucianism Council (Matakin) has called for modesty in celebrating the 2019 Lunar New Year.
"Celebrate modestly because the meaning of Lunar New Year is not a party but is a momentum for self-reflection, more prayers, care for fellow human beings, and strengthen friendship with fellow citizens," Matakin Chairman Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo stated here, Tuesday.
This year`s Lunar New Year is themed "Wealth Hoarding Will Cause Disunity among the People, The Spread of Wealth will Unite the People."
He appealed to followers of Confucianism to help the poor. Believers must help people in need, he added.
"The gap between the rich and poor is still wide. There are many people, who still live below the poverty line. Certainly, we must not close our eyes, and we must do our share to help uplift those living below the poverty line," he remarked.
Tanuwibowo wished for Indonesia to achieve more progress. The economic growth of Indonesia must be able to bring equitable prosperity.
"Our hope is that Indonesia functions in accordance with the Preamble of the UUD 1945 Constitution," he added.
Reporting by Susylo Asmalyah, fardah
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
