"The local government guarantees that Chinese-descendant citizens in Mataram can hold the Chinese New Year celebrations and worship comfortably and safely," Head of the Mataram City Communication and Informatics Office Nyoman Swandiasa stated in Mataram, Tuesday.
Moreover, with the revocation of the Public Activities Restrictions (PPKM) policy, various activities involving the congregation of large crowds of people have been permitted.
However, Swandiasa noted that based on a meeting between the Mataram City Government and the NTB Indonesian-Chinese Association (INTI), an agreement was reached to not hold any activities to welcome the 2023 Chinese New Year celebrations.
"There will be no celebrations with processions, lion dance performances, and music performances like before the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese New Year will be celebrated internally and limited within the communities," Swandiasa stated.
According to the committee of the 2023 Chinese New Year, there were several reasons for not celebrating the 2023 Chinese New Year with various entertainment activities, such as the committee's insufficient time to make preparations.
"In addition, it is possible that due to unfavorable weather conditions, outdoor activities cannot be carried out," he stated.
Swandiasa remarked that the city does not prohibit the celebrations, but on the contrary, supported all traditional celebrations carried out by all existing religions.
On the other hand, the city administration, through related regional apparatus organizations, such as the municipal police unit (Satpol PP) and Mataram Transportation Office, will monitor the situation when the Chinese-descendant citizens conduct the Chinese New Year worship and celebrations.
"The area of the temple will be monitored, including the traffic management, so that the worship can run safely and smoothly," he stated.
Speaking in connection with this, Swandiasa also appealed to the public to maintain security and order in their respective areas as a form of tolerance among religious communities in order to create a sense of security and comfort.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Sri Haryati
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