CNY 2577 Kongzili: Matakin Calls for Justice and Solidarity

The Chinese New Year 2577 Kongzili celebration was held at Hotel Grand Sahid Jaya on Sunday (2/22) under the theme “Where There Is Justice, There Is No Poverty,” attended by Indonesia's sixth president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar, Matakin Honorary Council Chairman Jimly Asshiddiqie, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, Creative Economy Deputy Minister Irene Umar, and INTI Chairman Teddy Sugianto, along with religious leaders and senior state officials.

".. toward a more harmonious and prosperous future,"

Supreme Council for Confucian Religion in Indonesia (Matakin) Chairman, Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo, said Chinese New Year carries profound and multidimensional meaning.

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He stressed that Chinese New Year is not merely a cultural celebration, but part of the nation's identity. This year, Confucians enter the year 2577 Kongzili, one of five calendar systems observed in Indonesia, alongside the Gregorian, Hijri, Saka, and Javanese calendars.

"This momentum invites us to leave behind negative things and begin a new chapter with a clear mind," he stated.

Highlighting the theme of justice, Budi emphasized that justice is the fundamental foundation of national life. He noted that the word “justice” appears twice in Pancasila, in the second and fifth principles.

According to him, if justice is upheld, issues such as poverty, division, and social inequality can be minimized and replaced with harmony.

"And it is impossible for justice to rest solely on the government without active public participation," he expressed.

According to him, another key meaning of Chinese New Year is strengthening devotion to God and to parents, as well as fostering social care. As part of this year's celebrations, Matakin has organized social service activities and invited guests to contribute assistance for disaster victims in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.

The aid distribution is planned in cooperation with the Indonesian Chinese Association (INTI).

He noted that the spirit of mutual cooperation and social solidarity is key to ensuring Indonesia remains resilient in facing various challenges.

"I hope the values of justice, devotion, and compassion embodied in Chinese New Year will continue to serve as moral energy for the nation toward a more harmonious and prosperous future," he said.