Confucians prayer activity at Kong Miao Temple, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), East Jakarta, in celebrating Chinese New Year on Friday (2/12) is restricted. Number of worshipers that usually reaches 100 people, now is limited to maximum 20 people.

During the pandemic, we limit number of worshipers to maximum 20 people

In this year, Kong Miao Temple administrators also restricted visitors' prayer time from 8 PM to 10 PM at the night before Chinese New Year and this morning from 9 AM to 11 AM. Moreover, there are no Barongsai and Liong attractions which are usually held to enliven Chinese New Year.

TMII Kong Miao Temple Secretariat Staff, Rini Antika conveyed, restrictions were imposed to prevent COVID-19 transmission as recommended by government. Those who pray at Kong Miao Temple are the leaders and the regular worshipers.

"We comply with health protocols as recommended by the government. During the pandemic, we limit number of worshipers to maximum 20 people. Although, this temple's capacity can reach 100 people," she explained.

In order to prevent crowd, temple administrators didn't hold a tradition of distributing angpao. Instead, on February 5, TMII Kong Miao Temple administrators held social service activity by distributing 100 staple food packages for underprivileged residents around TMII and street sweepers.

She hopes in this Year of Ox, COVID-19 pandemic will end up quickly, as well as natural disaster.

"Hopefully Indonesia as soon as possible will rise again from its downturn and people can return to do their usual activities," she said.