Not As Lively As It Used To Be, The 2573 Chinese New Year Celebration In Bangka Took Place Safely

Chinese New Year in Bangka (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The celebration of Chinese New Year 2573 in a number of places in the Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, looks safe and smooth, even though trading activities in the city center seem quiet.

Quoted from ANTARA in Sungailiat City, Tuesday, the condition of the area is quite safe and vehicles are smooth. It was also seen that some Malay residents visited the homes of Chinese people to convey their message during the Chinese New Year 2573.

"The number of people of Chinese descent living in Bangka is almost the same as the original population, relations in the community are quite good and mutual respect," said one Sungailiat resident, Yanto.

It is said, when Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, some residents of Chinese descent also come to stay in touch like other general public. The attitude of mutual respect between tribes in Bangka Regency, he said, became a symbol of harmony that must be maintained forever.

"Every Chinese New Year celebration with our family, we always come to the homes of Chinese neighbors or friends who celebrate Chinese New Year," said another Sungailiat resident, Roni.

It's just that the Chinese New Year celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Roni, were not as lively as before the corona virus pandemic.

"Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese New Year celebrations were quite lively, even lion dance attractions were held in several places to entertain residents," he explained.