We can only hope this global crisis ends soon, although Indonesians always seek a blessing in disguise – in whatever trouble they face.

People around the world have been living in fear and anxiety because no one knows when the pandemic will be over. But despite the angst and sorrow, this year’s Lunar New Year, which falls tomorrow, still offers an opportunity to reflect and to renew our commitment to life in the year ahead.

What can we hope for in the year of metal ox, which according to astrological predictions is the year of career advancement, achievement in business, wealth and profitability? Some believe the power of metal will emanate at its full strength this year, which is why fortune tellers have advised trying one’s luck in new enterprises.

Many Indonesians of Chinese descent have expressed their gratitude to the country’s fourth president, the late Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, who governed from 1999 to 2001. The former Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman lifted the 32-year ban on the celebration of the holiday. It was also Gus Dur who removed many laws, government regulations and bylaws that discriminated against Chinese-Indonesians, such as the prohibition of Chinese names and characters.

Gus Dur’s successor, Megawati Soekarnoputri, declared the Lunar New Year a national holiday in 2003. This was an encouraging development in the nation’s commitment to plurality and equality for all.

Discrimination had prevailed under the rule of Soeharto, who assumed power after an abortive coup blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). He accused China of backing the PKI, and used this claim as grounds to oppress people of Chinese descent. Under Soeharto, only the economic sector was open to the minority group.

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