Covid-19: Government Calls for Low-Key CNY Celebrations in Indonesia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Coordinating for Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy called for a low-key Lunar New Year celebration to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the festive period.

"The government concerned about the Chinese New Year activities. Don't let the sacred festival brings a negative impact on the country's efforts to fight against the Covid-19," Muhadjir told  the committee of the National Chinese New Year celebration during an audience on Tuesday, February 9.

He said an outdoor celebration could pull a big crowd that could become the source of Covid-19 clusters. 

Also read: Covid-19: No Lion Dance Performances during CNY in Indonesias Pontianak City

"The Chinese New Year celebration is not only being observed by the Confucian devotees or Chinese community. But it is also a cultural event that attracts public enthusiasm in Indonesia," the senior minister said.

He also hoped that this year's celebration will be held in a low-profile manner by utilizing the technology to prevent crowd-pulling activities.

The people are advised to avoid firecracker display, lion dance performances, and presenting or receiving a red packet directly.

"The call is not only addressed to certain religion, specific community but for everyone who will celebrate the Chinese New Year," he said.

Under the theme "For the Country, We Serve and Care", the celebration will be held virtually on February 20 and will be attended by President Joko Widodo, the cabinet ministers, government officials, and community leaders. 

(Writer: Deti Mega Purnamasari | Editor: Bayu Galih)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/10/10140861/cegah-penularan-covid-19-menko-pmk-minta-imlek-dirayakan-secara-sederhana