Show no Chinese affinity in 'Imlek'

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja called for people celebrating Chinese New Year not to show any Chinese affinity during the festival which falls tomorrow.

Decorations, banners, printed matter and logos revealing Chinese culture must not be displayed in public places during the celebration, Surjadi said.

"Parties, dramas, dance or other cultural performances with a Chinese theme are not allowed in any public places," he said.

In written appeal No. 4, signed on Jan. 28, 1997, the governor said Chinese New Year was a Chinese holiday, not a Buddhist holiday. "Therefore the New Year celebrations should not be held in Buddhist temples."

Chinese New Year, popularly known as Imlek, is to be celebrated privately among families, he said. (ste/sur)