Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Chairman of the Indonesian Parliament, Puan Maharani, said that the Chinese New Year celebration as a national holiday is to have the spirit to strengthen unity and a sense of brotherhood in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Puan said this at the ‘Imlekan Bareng Banteng’ event which was held virtually by the PDI Perjuangan DPP, in Jakarta, Friday.
Puan said that 19 years ago, the Fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri made a speech at the Chinese New Year celebration in Kemayoran, Jakarta.
“At that time, Mrs. Megawati, as the President of the Republic of Indonesia, announced that the Chinese New Year was a national holiday and officially took effect in 2003. This decision was taken by Ms. Megawati because she realized the importance of strengthening unity and a sense of brotherhood,” said Puan Maharani in her written statement.
The Chair of the PDIP DPP Political Sector also spoke about Indonesia’s independence.
According to her, one of the keys to Indonesian independence was the unity and sense of brotherhood of all people from various origins, and ethnicities, who sacrificed body and soul during the struggle. That spirit has continued until now to realize the progress of the Indonesian nation.
“Bung Karno himself, on June 1, 1945, in a session of the Investigative Body for Preparation for Indonesian Independence, once said that we established Indonesia as a state for all. Diversity is the essence of Indonesia, the strength of the Indonesian nation, which we must be grateful for and protect, ”said Puan Maharani.
This spirit of unity and brotherhood has always been relevant in all ages. Like today when Indonesia is facing various national challenges, including facing the COVID-19 Pandemic, said Puan again.
“This tough test can only be passed if we unite, put our trust in God Almighty, and keep trying. Hopefully this year’s Chinese New Year celebration… will strengthen the unity and spirit of brotherhood of the Indonesian people, ”said the grandchild of the Indonesian Proclaimer, Bung Karno.
Puan believes that although this year’s Chinese New Year is celebrated with simplicity in the midst of a pandemic, it will not diminish its meaning. Namely giving thanks for what has been received, and praying for the safety and welfare of all in the coming year.
“I wish you Happy Chinese New Year to all Confucians and people of Chinese descent. Let’s in this metal buffalo year, we fill it with hard work that is the character of the zodiac buffalo, “said Puan.
“We make this year the year Indonesia answers all challenges. The year of Indonesia’s recovery, ”she also said. (icn/bbs)
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