medcom.id, Jakarta: Two weeks after Chinese New Year, Chinese Indonesians celebrate Cap Go Meh. The celebration is usually marked with the release of lanterns as a symbol for better future.
Chinese culture expert Jeremy Huang mentioned each country has its own Cap Go Meh tradition. In Indonesia, Chinese Indonesians usually parade Toa Pek Kong statue.
"Toa Pek Kong is one of the legendary characters in China. He is worshiped by sailors and known as god of water," mentioned Jeremy.
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From 1942 to 1945, Cap Go Meh celebration was banned by Japanese army. Similar condition was repeated during New Order era. "In Gus Dur (President Abdurrahman Wahid) era, Toa Pek Kong was allowed again," Jeremy explained.
Toa Pek Kong carnival can be watched in Cirebon, Tegal, Bekasi, Bandung, Semarang, Singkawang and several other regions.
Chinese Indonesians also has special food during Cap Go Meh celebration. "During the eve of the celebration, they always have Lontong Cap Go Meh. In it, there are steamed rice bun, chicken curry, sayur wuluh and melinjo crackers," concluded Jeremy.
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