Approaching the Lunar New Year or Imlek celebrations, various typical Imlek ornaments can be seen decorating the Dharma Jaya Segitiga Senen Temple in the STS Sunter Garden Housing Complex, Sunter Agung Urban Village, Tanjung Priok Sub-district, North Jakarta.

This is our routine agenda ahead of Imlek

Dharma Jaya Segitiga Senen Temple Caretaker Head, Djaya Gunawan said preparations for Imlek had been underway 10 days beforehand. It was made by cleaning all the temple rooms, Buddha statues, arranging large candles, and lanterns.

"This is our routine agenda ahead of Imlek," he expressed, Monday (1/27).

He explained this was done to create a sense of comfort to people who will worship. On the eve of the Imlek celebration, there would be group prayers attended by hundreds of people.

"Here it usually starts to get crowded on Tuesday night at 11 PM. We are open until the next day because there is also a service on Wednesday morning, we're ready to welcome the Imlek," he explained.

Chairman for Central Management of the Indonesian Tridharma Council, Marga Singgih added there was no special celebration every year. Usually on D-1, people come to the temple for worship and continue with family gatherings on the D-Day.

"This year the zodiac sign is Snake, actually all zodiac signs are the same. However, every year, we always hope that humanity will always be given health. Then, those who experience difficulties will be given convenience, and our country will become more prosperous," he explained.

One of the Buddhists from Koja Urban Village, Wanto (36) admitted visiting the temple before Imlek had become his family tradition.

"It seems like this year is more colorful and lively. I always pray for the best for all humans to live in peace and happiness. Hopefully, with the new leader, Indonesia will be better and more prosperous," he hoped.