JP/5/IMLEK

JP/5/IMLEK

'Imlek' celebration meaningless without 'barongsai'

Hasrul The Jakarta Post Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi

Dozens of red oil lamps neatly lined a corner of the Eka Dharma Manggala Temple here, giving the large building a merry appearance.

The smell of incense mixed with the aroma of Chinese New Year, or Imlek, cakes a day prior to the Imlek celebrations. Three caretakers of the temple, with radiant smiles, greeted several guests.

Members of the Confucianist community slowly started to arrive from every corner of the city, bringing with them various items.

Liong, 67, a resident of the city, was one of the visitors descending on the temple on Wednesday afternoon to pray and see first-hand the preparations for the Imlek celebration.

He said he had lived in Kendari for a long time and was happy the Chinese community was now free to celebrate Imlek.

Liong's statement could be considered as also representing the sentiments of more than 1,000 ethnic Chinese in Kendari.

Several years ago, this community was only able to Imlek quietly with their families at home, because of the New Order regime's restrictions on Chinese culture.

But he was a bit concerned because it was a day before Imlek and he had not yet received any news about the appearance of a barongsai (lion) dance troupe at the celebrations. For the ethnic Chinese, Imlek is a tradition full of religious rituals and ceremonies, but it does not feel complete without a lion dance and fireworks.

"Without the barongsai, Imlek would seem bland," he said.

Jemmy, a student in Kendari, said he had only seen the lion dance on TV.

"I hope our elders can perform the barongsai dance here," he said.

Robert Setiawan, an official at the Eka Dharma Manggala Temple, said the barongsai could not be performed in Kendari because there were obstacles to procuring the equipment needed for the lion dance.

Besides, only a few members of the Chinese community in Kendari have mastered the dance. As for a fireworks display, no one wants to be responsible for that.

"Now there are no restrictions on expression. Every member of a religion can practice their religious rituals freely, provided that they abide by the rules and regulations," said Kadir Sapaile, head of the Southeast Sulawesi Nation Unity Body.

The peak of the Imlek celebrations in Kendari will be marked by the prayer to close the year, the Ti Sik. This will be followed by the New Year's prayer, or Sin Cia.

"Precisely at midnight when we begin the Chinese New Year, followers will pray together," said Robert.

The Eka Dharma Manggala and Dmaedy temples on Jl. R. Supratman in Kendari are expected to be packed for the ceremonies.

Worshipers will perform prayers and offer fruits and vegetables to the gods and their ancestors.