Towards The First Time DKI Provincial Government Celebrates Chinese New Year In An Open Space

Photo illustration (Jason Goh / Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The DKI Provincial Government will hold Chinese New Year celebrations for the first time in several locations in Jakarta. This celebration will be held until 5 February.

Head of DKI Mental and Spiritual Education Bureau Hendra Hidayat explained, the implementation of this activity was in collaboration with a number of Chinese clan ethnic associations in Jakarta.

"This is the first time that the government, especially the provincial government, has coordinated the Chinese New Year celebration event. So far, they have done it partially, individually," said Hendra at City Hall, Central Jakarta, Monday, January 20 evening.

Hendra said that four MRT stations will have Chinese New Year ornaments and the 12 Shio history installed. The stations chosen were the busiest ones, namely Bundaran HI, Dukuh Atas, Blok M and Lebak Bulus stations.

On January 23 and 24, the Provincial Government held liong, tanjidor and gambang kromong performances in front of the Grand Hyatt & Taman Dukuh Atas. This performance is similar to the Christmast Carol choir which was held some time ago.

"The program is from 5 pm to 7 pm. We will take a combination of Betawi and Chinese culture, namely tanjidor and liong liong," he said.

On the Chinese New Year which is January 25, there will be a lion dance performance at Thamrin 10. The next day, January 26, the lion dance will be performed again on Motorized Vehicle Free Day (HBKB) or Car Free Day at Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin.

Furthermore, a number of MSMEs served Chinese specialties that were sold at Thamrin 10 from January 15 to February 5. In addition, at this culinary location there will also be a noodle festival on February 3 to 9.

At its peak, there will be a Cap Go Meh Chinatown festival at the Petak Sembilan temple, Kampung Duri and Jatinegara on February 8.

"This is the same spirit as yesterday's Christmast Carol, which is to bring the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year celebration to the public space so that it can also be felt by other people," Hendra concluded.