City bans 'Imlek' celebrations

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)