Mahfud MD's Message, Chinese New Year Celebration Is A Joint Moment To Maintain Peace

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, reminded the Chinese New Year celebrations to maintain the momentum of the nation's peace. (photo: doc. between)

JAKARTA – The Chinese New Year's Day 2573 Kongzili is expected to be a momentum for people to work together to maintain peace. This was conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD.

"Let's together create peace and endeavor to bring prosperity that we do based on the teachings of the religion we profess to be the pinnacle of our obedience to God Almighty," said Mahfud MD in his video uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs in Jakarta, Tuesday, February 1st.

In the broadcast, Mahfud also conveyed congratulations on celebrating the Chinese New Year to Confucians in Indonesia.

"Happy Chinese New Year 2573 Kongzili. I am Mahfud MD, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia wishing a happy Chinese New Year 2573 Kongzili to Confucians and all citizens of the nation who celebrate," Mahfud said, as quoted by Antara.

He expressed hope that the nation's various problems can be overcome together, especially at the turn of the year from the Year of the Metal Ox to the Year of the Tiger. "Hopefully all problems will be resolved," said the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs in the video.

He also closed his remarks by saying "Gong Xi Fa Cai" for people who celebrate Chinese New Year. "Gong Xi Fa Cai" simply means a congratulation and a prayer to get a lot of sustenance.

The Chinese New Year celebrations have started since Monday, January 31 at night in temples scattered in various regions in the country. Those who celebrate the turn of the year offer prayers to the gods and ancestors asking for sustenance and luck for the next year.

For this year, the ethnic Chinese community and their descendants as well as Confucians commemorate the arrival of the Year of the Water Tiger.

Many Chinese people in Indonesia believe that the Year of the Water Tiger will be a moment full of luck. According to several Chinese community leaders, this hope is in line with efforts to restore the economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.