VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Feb. 12 - Celebration of the Chinese New Year 2572 Kongzili which falls on Friday 12 February is different from previous years. This year's Chinese New Year service is carried out with full limitations amid the outbreak of the global Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic which has also hit Indonesia.

Based on RRI.co.id observation at the location, hundreds of congregants arrived at the Dharma Bakti Vihara, Petak Sembilan, Glodok, West Jakarta, since the morning, they seemed to be solemnly performing worship or praying at the Vihara.

In the midst of this pandemic, the Vihara management has indeed limited the number of congregations who will not worship at the Dharma Bhakti Vihara. The maximum number of congregants allowed to enter is also limited to 50 people at a time.

The supervisor of the Dharma Bakti Vihara, Yusuf Hamka, when talking to journalists, made sure that there was no cutting tradition.

"It is obligatory for 50 people and we have to wear masks, wash our hands, prepare everyone. Maintain a distance. If you don't keep your distance, you have to be reprimanded, I warned you to keep your distance. This year, we still do bird releases. What is omitted is that it is too crowded, that's what is not allowed," Yusuf Hamka told reporters in Jakarta, Friday (12/2/2021).

Yusuf admitted that this year's Chinese New Year is different when compared to the previous year's Chinese New Year.

“If we come here last year, you would have burst into tears because the smoke of incense was extraordinary. So now it's amazing that we can breathe and see,” he explained.

"Keep your distance and focus on public health," he explained.

"We are not open 24 hours. We are open from 5 am to 6 pm (18:00 WIB) in the afternoon," he concluded. (RRI)