VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

A woman wearing a face mask burns incense at the Boen San Bio temple, Tangerang, Banten on Thursday night (February 11, 2021). (ANTARA FOTO/Fauzan/aww/gtm)

Friday marks the beginning of the 15-day Lunar New Year festival, when lanterns normally brighten Chinatowns across the country. But this year, fewer visitors are being spotted at temples with many people choosing to pray at homes with their families. The Indonesian government has urged Chinese communities in the country to stay home and avoid crowds amid the festivities, while local authorities have limited temples' capacities as a precautionary measure to curb coronavirus infections.

At a press briefing on Thursday, Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, asked Chinese communities in the country to "tone down" celebrations, and keep them more meaningful and safe."Celebrate the new year as simply as possible with family. Follow health protocols, such as wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining a safe distance, limiting mobility and interaction, as well as avoiding crowds," he said.

The Lunar New Year carries a message of compassion and caring for others, he added.

"Gong He Xin Xi, Wan Shi Ru Yi (Good luck and all the best!)," the minister said, greeting the Chinese communities in Mandarin.

In spite of a capacity limit imposed at the temples and other restrictions, Chinese communities in the country are still continuing to perform most rituals and traditions of the Lunar new year. Although things might feel different this time, many are trying their best to welcome "The Year of Ox" as brightly and colorfully as the years before//ANT