inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming stated that the festive Chinese New Year celebrations, now felt openly in various public spaces, are the result of the previous nation's leaders' courage in preserving Indonesia's diversity.
"We should be grateful and appreciative for the beautiful lanterns decorating the streets, the lively lion dances performing in public spaces, and the warm, joyful, and togetherness of today's Chinese New Year celebrations. These are the result of the previous nation's leaders' courage and determination in preserving our diversity," Gibran said through the Vice President's Secretariat in Jakarta on Saturday (2/28/2026).
According to Gibran, the warm and togetherness of Chinese New Year is a strong symbol of the state's presence in guaranteeing the right of every citizen to express their cultural identity.
He stated that this major change began with the decision of the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, who, through Presidential Decree Number 6 of 2000, lifted various restrictions on Chinese cultural expression.
The Vice President cited Gus Dur's message that all citizens, regardless of religion, have equal recognition and standing before the law.
"Through Presidential Decree Number 6 of 2000, Gus Dur created a policy that was not merely administrative, but a historical milestone that teaches us the true meaning of tolerance and brotherhood," said Gibran.
This policy was later reinforced by the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, who in 2002 declared Chinese New Year as a national holiday.
This determination was seen as a complete recognition that every citizen has the right to celebrate their traditions and beliefs without fear or marginalization.
According to Gibran, Indonesia is a large house built on diversity, not uniformity.
"This is a concrete manifestation of the complete recognition that every citizen has the same right to express their cultural identity because Indonesia is a large house built not on uniformity, but on diversity," said the Vice President.
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