Governor Attends Melasti Ceremony at Segara Temple

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung attended the Melasti ceremony ahead of Nyepi, Saka New Year 1948, at Segara Temple on Jalan Kalibaru Timur, Kalibaru Urban Village, Cilincing Sub-district, North Jakarta, on Sunday (3/15).

"We are ensuring that Hindus in Jakarta can carry out their worship properly, in an orderly, solemn, and joyful manner,"

On the occasion, Pram expressed hope that the Nyepi celebration, which falls close to Eid al-Fitr this year, will proceed smoothly.

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"We are ensuring that Hindus in Jakarta can carry out their worship properly, in an orderly, solemn, and joyful manner," he said.

He explained that the Melasti ceremony carries a message of self-purification, physically and spiritually, while guiding people to calm the mind and nurture a more peaceful and wise outlook on life.

"These values remind us all to live in harmony with nature and with one another," he added.

He also called on all residents and religious communities in Jakarta to maintain harmony, tolerance, and diversity, while keeping the city safe, peaceful, and conducive.

Pram also directed the head of the Jakarta Mental and Spiritual Education Bureau to follow up on a proposal from Suka Duka Hindu Dharma DKI Jakarta Raya Chairman Made Sudarta to build a pier at Segara Temple.

He also asked the Jakarta Regional Asset Management Agency (BPAD) to review reports that the temple's cremation machine is no longer functioning.

"On behalf of the Jakarta Provincial Government, I wish you a meaningful Melasti ceremony. May the Catur Brata Penyepian be observed well and bring peace and purity to us all," he said.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development, Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka, expressed appreciation for the Jakarta Provincial Government's support for the series of events leading up to Nyepi, Saka New Year 1948.

Not only the Melasti ceremony, the Jakarta administration also held an Ogoh-ogoh parade at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout last week.

The cultural carnival, part of the Nyepi celebration series, was held at the landmark location for the first time and attended by the Jakarta governor and deputy governor.

"Despite heavy rain, the cultural carnival still took place in a lively atmosphere," Isyana shared.

According to her, the event reflects the strong spirit of religious harmony and tolerance in Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta.

"This proves that Indonesian society is harmonious and tolerant. Hopefully we can continue to maintain interfaith harmony, especially in Jakarta," she stated.