Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin encouraged Chinese Indonesians, especially those who profess the Confucian faith, to make the most of the momentum presented by the Chinese New Year to improve themselves and their integrity.

"Let us welcome this solemn Chinese New Year's Day as a momentum to improve oneself, bolster personal integrity, and strengthen the commitment for the nation to face future challenges," Amin stated in his Chinese New Year greetings, as observed here on Saturday.

The vice president remarked that Imlek, the name of Chinese New Year's Day as known by Indonesians, is an important momentum of thanksgiving and self-retrospect, with the spirit to improve oneself.

Hence, Amin expressed hope that members of the Confucian community would continue to improve themselves as well as actively and positively contribute to national development.

The vice president also expressed hope that they will always be blessed and protected by the Almighty God and become a good individual.

"Happy Chinese New Year 2575 Kongzili. I hope the Almighty God will help and bless our every endeavor," he remarked.

Chinese New Year's Day has been openly celebrated in Indonesia since Abdurrahman Wahid's presidency from 1999 to 2001. A presidential decree issued by President Megawati Soekarnoputri in 2002 officially made the day a national holiday.

Related news: Imlek fever hits Jakarta as Lunar New Year approaches

Related news: N Sumatra monastery prepares 1,500 lanterns for Lunar New Year

Translator: Rangga Pandu AJ, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2024