... the Chinese Indonesian citizens were ready as part of the nation to advance the country... "Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Yudhoyono, accompanied by First Lady Any Yudhoyono, attended the Chinese Cap Go Meh celebration event at the Jakarta Fair arena in Kemayoran here on Sunday.
The Indonesian Chinese celebrate Cap Go Meh 15 days after Chinese New Year or Imlek and the event this year was organized by the Chinese Indonesia Joint Forum (FBIT).
The theme of this year's event was Keep Moving Forward Indonesia to mark Imlek 2564 as a momentum for inviting all parties to uphold truth, love the country and safeguard the reputation of Indonesia as a big and respectful country.
In his speech FBIT chairman Murdaya W Poo said the Chinese Indonesian citizens were ready as part of the nation to advance the country following the issuance of Law Number 40, 2008 that eradicates discrimination against racial or ethnic groups in the country wiping out indigenous and non-indigenous division.
"We are now common Indonesian citizens. We have the same responsibility and duties to build a prosperous Indonesia," he said.
He said because of the state's principles of Unity In Diversity Cap Go Meh has now become part of the country's assets.
The event was marked by a 40-minute musical drama titled Imlek Plays a Role in Advancing Indonesia depicting the plural nation's efforts to develop Indonesia to become am advanced nation in terms of technology as well as social and culture.
Yudhoyono was also accompanied by Education and Culture Minister M Nuh, Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Djoko Suyanto, National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo, Presidential Special Aide for Political Communication Danier Sparringa and Deputy Governor of Jakarta Basuki Purnama.
(G003/H-YH/O001)
Editor: Ade P Marboen
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
