"Thank you to everyone who continues to collaborate to realize religious moderation among Indonesians," Dasuki remarked while attending the opening of the gotong toapekong procession in the Pasar Lama (Old Market) area of Tangerang City on Saturday.
The deputy minister also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the organizer and the community for maintaining tolerance amid differences.
"This shows that knitting diversity amid differences is not impossible, but a form of pride and cultural treasure, as well as tangible evidence that Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) is present in Tangerang City and its surroundings," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Head of the Tangerang City Culture and Tourism Office Rizal Ridolloh remarked that the gotong toapekong cultural procession is a unique celebration in Tangerang City.
Rooted in Chinese culture, the toapekong ritual has been designated as an intangible cultural heritage by the Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry.
It is held once every 12 years, and the Boen Tek Bio Temple Association parades the statue of the Dewi Kwan Im Hud Couw goddess along the city road.
Tangerang City's intangible cultural heritage includes the Tari Kocek traditional dance, Peh Cun Tradition, the Gambang Kromong Orchestra, Silat Beksi martial arts, and Cio Tao ceremony.
The city also has unique culinary delicacies, such as Bakcang and Laksa.
The 2024 toapekong procession was attended by thousands of people and tourists, including some officials.
Apart from Deputy Minister Dasuki, the 4th First Lady, Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah, and other officials were also present at the event.
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Translator: Achmad I, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
