TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A giant golden dragon statue stands in the median of Jalan Salembaran, Day Night District Pantai Indah Kosambi (PIK2), Tangerang Regency, ahead of the Chinese New Year which falls on February 9, 2024.

The dragon statue, which is 9.9 meters high and 153 meters long, seems to be alive as the bright sunlight makes the color shine. It also has six twists in its body and four legs with open claws as if it were flying.

Dragons are mythical legendary creatures in the folklore of multiple cultures worldwide. In Chinese culture, dragons are often associated with protection, glory, strength, and prosperity.

The dragon statue in PIK 2 was made and shipped directly from Xiamen, China. Even though it has just been installed, the statue has gone viral on social media. Many netizens have been discussing and creating content specifically about the dragon statue.

Many people have also visited the giant statue ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations. One of them is Amoy, 40, and her family from West Jakarta.

“This year (2024) is the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of fortune and prosperity. I hope we will be more prosperous and lucky in this Dragon Year,” she said, claiming that she had visited twice.

“It was as if it (the golden dragon) was really flying in the sky,” she added. “It would be better if there were lanterns.”

JONIANSYAH HARDJONO

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