Chinese-Indonesian residents of Semarang, Central Java, are hoping for better lives in the Year of the Rabbit, as restriction-free Lunar New Year festivities return.
Chinese-Indonesian residents of Semarang, Central Java, are hoping for better lives in the Year of the Rabbit, as restriction-free Lunar New Year festivities return.
“Imlek celebrations in the past few years have been muted as a result of the pandemic,” said Aman Gautama Wangsa, chair of the Khong Kauw Hwee foundation, on Thursday.
“Now that movement restrictions have been lifted, we are hopeful that this Year of the Rabbit, everything will be better.”
The foundation runs kindergarten, elementary and junior high schools for children from low-income families. Students were each given the festive delicacies kue keranjang (basket cakes) ahead of Imlek, which falls on Sunday.
“I only eat this cake during Imlek. I was happy to get it,” said Stanlay Kurniawan, a junior high school student.
Barongsai (lion dance) and liong (dragon dance) puppet craftsman Candra Wiroutomo said business had been returning since public activity restrictions (PPKM) were lifted last month.
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