Let us create peace and prosperity together with the teachings of the religion we adhere to as a form of our obedience to the God Almighty
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD called on the public to make Lunar New Year a momentum to jointly maintain peace.

"Let us create peace and prosperity together with the teachings of the religion we adhere to as a form of our obedience to the God Almighty," Mahfud MD noted in his video uploaded on the ministry's YouTube channel here on Tuesday.

In the broadcast, the minister also extended Chinese New Year greetings to Confucians in Indonesia.

"Happy Chinese New Year 2573 Kongzili. I am Mahfud MD, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia wishing a Happy Chinese New Year 2573 Kongzili to Confucians and all citizens of the nation who celebrate it," he stated.

The minister expressed optimism that the nation's problems would be overcome, especially at the turn of the year, from the Year of Metal Ox to the Year of Tiger.

"Hopefully, all problems would be resolved," the minister stated.

Mahfud MD ended his statement by saying "Gong Xi Fa Cai" to the people celebrating Chinese New Year.

"Gong Xi Fa Cai" means congratulations as well as a prayer to get immense luck.

Chinese New Year celebrations commenced since Monday night at several pagodas spread across various regions in the country. Those who celebrate the turn of the year offer prayers to the gods and ancestors to seek for luck for the next year.

For this year, members of the ethnic Chinese community and their descendants as well as Confucians commemorate the arrival of the Year of the Water Tiger.

Several Chinese people in Indonesia believe that the Year of the Water Tiger will bring immense luck.

According to several Chinese community leaders, this optimism aligns with the efforts to restore the economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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