PPKM Ends, Thousands of People Celebrate Chinese New Year at Dharma Bhakti Temple

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Dharma Bhakti Temple Foundation in Petak Sembilan, West Jakarta, Shirley Wijaya estimates that at least thousands of visitors have come to the temple to celebrate Chinese New Year since Saturday, January 21, 2023.

"We can't estimate for sure, but perhaps around thousands," said Shirley to the reporters, Sunday, January 22, 2023.

Shirley revealed that the Dharma Bhakti Temple did not hold liturgical Worship during this current Chinese New Year.

"There is no liturgy worship because our capacity is 5,000 (people)," she said.

Furthermore, according to Shirley, the Dharma Bhakti Temple was opened for 24 hours on Saturday, January 21, 2023. Currently, the temple will only be open until 22:00 WIB.

Shirley further stated that the temple would not place any restrictions on visitors that are coming. However, there are several areas in the temple that a few visitors can access due to the limited space.

"We don't set any restrictions, except for the upper floor of the temple since the room is not too big," said Shirley.

Shirley also admitted to being pleased that the current Chinese New Year could be normally celebrated, much differently than in the previous two years during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We are very happy because the restriction policy is over, and we can celebrate Chinese New Year normally again. Currently, for 24 hours since yesterday evening, many visitors came to pray with high enthusiasm," she explained.

She also hopes that the 2023 Chinese New Year can bring prosperity and success to all.

"This year celebrates the year of the rabbit, which symbolizes grace, and also they are very clever. We wish health, prosperity, and success for all of us," she said.

"The message of this Chinese New Year is for unity and integrity, Bhineka Tunggal Ika," she concluded.

AMY HEPPY | IMAJI LASAHIDO (INTERN)

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