Implementation of Tolerance is the Key to the Success of the Chinese New Year Celebration

Solo – Solo has once again proven itself as a city full of tolerance values, as seen from the implementation of the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration which took place in a lively and peaceful manner. Not only a cultural celebration, but this moment is also a symbol of harmony between religions and ethnicities that live side by side in society.

The Head of the Joint Committee for the 2025 Chinese New Year of Solo City, Sumartono Hadinoto, expressed the high enthusiasm of the community in welcoming this celebration. As many as 5,000 lanterns have been installed in various corners of the city, such as in front of the Surakarta City Hall and the Kalipepe Bridge. The presence of these lanterns radiates the warmth of Chinese culture in the middle of a city decorated with the spirit of tolerance.

“These lanterns come in various colors, such as red, green, yellow, and blue. There are also lanterns in the shape of Shio, gods and goddesses, and even Laughing Buddha which add to the appeal of the Pasar Gede area,” said Sumartono.

The presence of these distinctive ornaments not only beautifies the city, but also becomes a symbol of cultural diversity that lives harmoniously in Solo.

In maintaining the sustainability and security of the 2025 Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh celebrations, the Ansor Youth Movement (GP) plays an active role. The General Chairperson of the GP Ansor Central Leadership, Addin Jauharudin, emphasized that extra security has been mapped out in a number of areas, including the Special Region of Jakarta to West Kalimantan.

This support is a real form of cross-community solidarity in order to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all people who celebrate.

“Chinese New Year celebrations do not only belong to one group, but are also part of the nation’s cultural wealth that must be maintained together. We ensure to provide the best security for the success of this event,” said Addin.

In addition, the spirit of tolerance is also instilled from an early age through education. SD Warga Solo, one of the nationalist schools in this city, holds various activities to welcome Chinese New Year as a form of tolerance education for students.

School Spokesperson, Conchita Conie Silimalar, explained that this activity was attended by more than 400 students from various levels, from playgroup to elementary school.

“Our aim and purpose in holding the Chinese New Year celebration at school is to introduce to students that our school is a nationalist school. Various religions, cultures, and ethnicities live side by side. In turn, holidays from various religions are celebrated to directly teach forms of tolerance,” said Conchita.

This year’s Chinese New Year celebration in Solo is not only a moment of happiness for Chinese citizens, but also reflects the values ​​of tolerance that are a strong foundation for Indonesia’s diversity. With the spirit of mutual respect and maintaining togetherness, Solo shows that harmony in diversity is the key to success in building a peaceful society.