City bans 'Imlek' celebrations<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has banned public
\ncelebrations of this year's Chinese New Year, Imlek, which falls
\non Jan. 28 in order to guard against social unrest.<\/p>\n
Toha Reno of the city public order office said over the
\nweekend that the ban, considered tougher than for previous years,
\nwas decided upon because riots based on ethnic issues were
\nbelieved to be more likely to erupt this year.<\/p>\n
He added that the government did not recognize the holiday,
\nwhich is usually observed by wealthy people of Chinese origin.<\/p>\n
\"The tougher action is needed because of what has been
\nhappening nowadays. People could easily get angry over trivial
\nthings and riots based on ethnic issues have rocked the country
\nseveral times in the past.<\/p>\n
\"We are afraid that if there were celebrations, they could
\nspark jealousy in some people,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Toha said that the ban outlawed celebrations in Buddhist
\ntemples and public places such as hotels, restaurants and
\nentertainment centers.<\/p>\n
The ban was based on Presidential Instruction No. 14\/1967 on
\nChinese religion, beliefs and culture and a letter from the
\nMinistry of Religious Affairs which stated that the Chinese New
\nYear, popularly known as Imlek, was not a Buddhist holiday and
\ncould not be celebrated at Buddhist temples.<\/p>\n
Toha said 200 officers from his office would be deployed at 46
\nBuddhist temples throughout the city the day before and during
\nthe new year.<\/p>\n
He urged people of Chinese origin to celebrate Imlek privately
\nwith their families.<\/p>\n
Any performances with Chinese themes would also be banned.<\/p>\n
Toha said that officers would confiscate any banners,
\ndecorations or printed material related to the event.<\/p>\n
\"The officers will keep an eye on sidewalk vendors, shops and
\nsupermarkets which sell such materials,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He explained that last year, his office confiscated 1,650
\nornaments with Chinese characters for celebrations.<\/p>\n
Toha also urged people celebrating the New Year not to close
\ntheir shops since the date was near the Idul Fitri holiday, which
\nfalls on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31. (ind)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/city-bans-imlek-celebrations-1447893297",
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