The Implementation of Tolerance is Key to the Success of the Lunar New Year Celebration

Solo – Solo once again proved itself as a city rich in values of tolerance, as seen in the lively and peaceful celebration of the Lunar New Year 2025. This event was not merely a cultural celebration but also a symbol of harmony among different religions and ethnicities living side by side within the community.
The Chairman of the Joint Committee for Imlek 2025 in Solo, Sumartono Hadinoto, expressed the high enthusiasm of the community in welcoming this celebration. A total of 5,000 lanterns were installed throughout the city, including at the front of Surakarta City Hall and Kalipepe Bridge. These lanterns radiated the warmth of Chinese culture amidst a city adorned with the spirit of tolerance.
“These lanterns come in various colors, such as red, green, yellow, and blue. There are also lanterns shaped like zodiac animals, deities, and Laughing Buddha, which add to the charm of the Pasar Gede area,” said Sumartono.
The presence of these traditional ornaments not only beautifies the city but also symbolizes the harmonious cultural diversity that thrives in Solo.
To ensure the smooth and safe celebration of Imlek and Cap Go Meh 2025, the Ansor Youth Movement (GP Ansor) played an active role. The General Chairman of the Central Leadership of GP Ansor, Addin Jauharudin, emphasized that extra security measures had been planned for several regions, including Jakarta and West Kalimantan.
This support is a concrete expression of cross-community solidarity to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all the people celebrating.
“Lunar New Year is not just the celebration of one group, but also part of the nation’s cultural wealth that must be safeguarded together. We ensure the best security to ensure the success of this event,” said Addin.
Furthermore, the spirit of tolerance is also instilled from an early age through education. Warga Solo Elementary School, a nationalistic school in the city, organized various activities to welcome Imlek as a form of tolerance education for the students.
The school spokesperson, Conchita Conie Silimalar, explained that the activities were attended by more than 400 students from various levels, ranging from playgroup to elementary school.
“The purpose of holding this Lunar New Year celebration at our school is to introduce to the students that our school is nationalistic. Different religions, cultures, and ethnicities live side by side. The holidays of various religions are celebrated in turn to directly teach the forms of tolerance,” said Conchita.
The Lunar New Year celebration in Solo this year not only brought joy to the Chinese community but also reflected the values of tolerance that form a strong foundation for Indonesia’s diversity. With the spirit of mutual respect and unity, Solo demonstrates that harmony in diversity is the key to building a peaceful society.