“Cheng Beng is not merely a religious and cultural tradition, but also carries the meaning of upholding the values of honor, togetherness, and social care passed down by our ancestors,” he said here on Sunday.
He attended the peak of the Cheng Beng Tradition in the Kampung Bintang area, Pangkalpinang, on Saturday evening.
The Cheng Beng Tradition is a grave-cleaning ritual practiced by the Chinese-Indonesian communities. It is held annually, with the cleaning of ancestral graves conducted two weeks prior to the peak on April 4 or 5.
Relatives from various backgrounds, including those living outside the city and abroad, usually return home to honor and pray for their ancestors and departed family members.
“This is our way of remembering the contributions, prayers, and love they have given,” he said.
He emphasized that the tradition also strengthens kinship and teaches the importance of appreciating history, preserving family lineage, and maintaining devotion and honor.
“This moment teaches us to maintain good relations, respect one another, and strengthen ties among families and communities. Through this tradition, we aim to unite Bangka Belitung for the better,” he said.
He also appreciated the community’s efforts to preserve the cultural heritage across generations.
Meanwhile, Pangkalpinang Mayor Saparudin noted the strong public enthusiasm for the event and expressed hope that Sentosa Cemetery, one of the largest Chinese cemeteries in Southeast Asia, could be developed as a tourism destination.
Legislator Rudianto Tjen highlighted the celebration as a means to strengthen social ties and promote harmony among communities.
"In addition to the Cheng Beng Festival, we will also hold celebrations for other religious holidays such as the Maulid Nabi and Isra Mi’raj, so that people of different faiths receive equal attention from the government,” he said.
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Translator: Aprionis, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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