Imlek Celebration at Amurva Bhumi Monastery Deserted but Solemn
Reported by TP Moan Simanjuntak | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
They must wear masks and maintain physical distancing when worshiping
Although it looks deserted, the Imlek or Chinese New Year celebration at the Amurva Bhumi Monastery, Jalan Prof. Dr. Satrio, Karet Kuningan Urban Village, Setiabudi, South Jakarta took place solemnly with the implementation of strict health protocols, on Friday (2/12).
Amurva Bhumi Monastery Caretaker, Toni expressed he had told the people that there were no lunar activities at the monastery. Yet some people still came to pray, despite the number was not little than the previous year.
KPKP Agency Monitors Food Commodities Ahead of Imlek"As a place of worship, we can't prohibit people who come to pray as a form of their gratitude," he expressed.
His side had alerted personnel to check the body temperature of visitors and monitored the implementation of health protocols during visitors’ worship.
"They must wear masks and maintain physical distancing when worshiping. Talk about numbers, we have never collected data. Certainly, visits are very quiet compared to the previous year," he explained.
Gunadi (56), a resident of Karet Semanggi who came with wife and children admitted they prayed at the Amurva Bhumi monastery as a form of thanksgiving for health, good fortune and safety.
He added the lack of visitors made him and his family more solemn in saying prayers.
"Previously after we finished praying, we took the time to chat with friends, relatives and others. But now after prayers we go straight home to avoid the crowd," he stated.
