City bans 'Imlek' celebrations

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has banned public celebrations of this year's Chinese New Year, Imlek, which falls on Jan. 28 in order to guard against social unrest.

Toha Reno of the city public order office said over the weekend that the ban, considered tougher than for previous years, was decided upon because riots based on ethnic issues were believed to be more likely to erupt this year.

He added that the government did not recognize the holiday, which is usually observed by wealthy people of Chinese origin.

"The tougher action is needed because of what has been happening nowadays. People could easily get angry over trivial things and riots based on ethnic issues have rocked the country several times in the past.

"We are afraid that if there were celebrations, they could spark jealousy in some people," he said.

Toha said that the ban outlawed celebrations in Buddhist temples and public places such as hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers.

The ban was based on Presidential Instruction No. 14/1967 on Chinese religion, beliefs and culture and a letter from the Ministry of Religious Affairs which stated that the Chinese New Year, popularly known as Imlek, was not a Buddhist holiday and could not be celebrated at Buddhist temples.

Toha said 200 officers from his office would be deployed at 46 Buddhist temples throughout the city the day before and during the new year.

He urged people of Chinese origin to celebrate Imlek privately with their families.

Any performances with Chinese themes would also be banned.

Toha said that officers would confiscate any banners, decorations or printed material related to the event.

"The officers will keep an eye on sidewalk vendors, shops and supermarkets which sell such materials," he said.

He explained that last year, his office confiscated 1,650 ornaments with Chinese characters for celebrations.

Toha also urged people celebrating the New Year not to close their shops since the date was near the Idul Fitri holiday, which falls on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31. (ind)