Jakarta, January 29, 2025 – The Europe Today: Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani has called on Indonesians to use the occasion of Chinese New Year 2576 Kongzili as an opportunity to reinforce tolerance and unity amid the nation’s rich ethnic and religious diversity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Maharani underscored the importance of fostering solidarity and togetherness to uphold national integrity in a country as diverse as Indonesia.
“Through solidarity, cooperation, and togetherness, we can overcome challenges and build a brighter future for all Indonesians,” she affirmed.
She expressed confidence that Chinese New Year serves as a moment of reflection, inspiring self-improvement and deepening empathy within society.
Maharani highlighted Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), which has been instrumental in maintaining national cohesion despite differences in ethnicity, culture, and religion.
“This motto reflects the existence of Indonesia as a single nation united amid diversity,” she emphasized.
She also referenced the government’s longstanding commitment to recognizing and preserving diversity, citing Government Decree No. 2/OEM-1946 on religious holidays, issued by Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. Additionally, she noted that in 2002, the country’s fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, formally designated Chinese New Year as a national holiday.
“Happy Lunar New Year 2576 Kongzili to Chinese and Confucian communities. Let us welcome this Year of the Wood Snake with a determination for growth and development. Hopefully, all our wishes will come true this year,” Maharani stated.
She further expressed hope that the new year would bring prosperity and well-being to all Indonesians, reinforcing the spirit of harmony and national unity.
