Preventing New COVID Clusters, Pontianak Mayor Bans Fireworks Parties At Cap Go Meh Chinese New Year Celebration

JAKARTA - Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono has banned fireworks during Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh celebrations. This decision was based on the results of the coordination meeting of the COVID-19 Task Force Team in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan (Kalbar).

According to Rusdi, firework displays will certainly present a crowd of people and have the potential to spread COVID-19.

"The ban on fireworks parties is due to the COVID-19 pandemic which is still happening today so there will be no crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pontianak City," said Edi Rusdi Kamtono in Pontianak as reported by Antara, Sunday, January 31.

As Head of the Pontianak City COVID-19 Task Force, he said, not only the Cap Go Meh celebration, the 2572 Chinese New Year celebration night and fireworks parties were also eliminated.

This is to prevent crowds that have the potential to spread COVID-19.

"But for worship at the temple, we invite them to strictly implement health protocols," he said.

Citizens celebrating Chinese New Year are advised to do it simply, not carry out activities that could lead to the emergence of new clusters of the spread of COVID-19.

Events or activities that gather a large number of people, he stressed, are indeed not allowed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This year is a year of patience and concern for all of us, where the COVID-19 pandemic is still happening," he said.

Separately, Kapolresta Pontianak City Kombes Leo Joko Triwibowo stated that his party focuses on securing houses of worship on Chinese New Year.

"Because if there is a celebration during this pandemic, it is very risky that there will be an increase in the number of people who have been confirmed with COVID-19," he said.

The tradition of playing lion dances and dragons which is held annually on Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh is also eliminated. Likewise, the fireworks display which is usually held on the eve of welcoming Chinese New Year.

"There is a possibility that there will be restrictions on community activities, then we will also carry out large-scale patrols to eliminate unwanted incidents," he said.