Palu plans modest Imlek celebrations

The Chinese-Indonesian community is planning a subdued observation of the Lunar New Year centered around Karuna Dipa temple in Nunu sub-district in Palu, Central Sulawesi.

“We are not going to celebrate Imlek in an extravagant way this year.We will observe it modestly,” Karuna Dipa foundation secretary, WijayaChandra, told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.

He said this year’s celebration would contrast with last year’s event,when the temple invited leaders from other religions to attend.

"We will just conduct a holy reflection and rituals at temples.”

The foundation contacted the local administration and law-enforcement agencies to provide security for the ceremonies to welcome the Lunar New Year.

Asri Marsuko, the chief of Nunu sub-district, one of several involved in long-standing and oft-violent disputes, guaranteed that the ceremony would proceed without hindrance.

Separately, Palu Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Achmad Ramadhan said he would deploy dozens of officers to safeguard the ceremony. (nvn)