News analysis

Ethnic Chinese votes a political dilemma for Indonesian election candidates

Their votes count in tight race, but candidates must also appease conservatives

A performer dressed as the Chinese God of Fortune at a Chap Goh Meh carnival in Jakarta on Tuesday. Many such celebrations were held across Indonesia to mark the 15th and last day of Chinese New Year. Before President Suharto's fall in 1998, the Chin
A performer dressed as the Chinese God of Fortune at a Chap Goh Meh carnival in Jakarta on Tuesday. Many such celebrations were held across Indonesia to mark the 15th and last day of Chinese New Year. Before President Suharto's fall in 1998, the Chinese in the Muslim-majority country were banned from celebrating such festivals. PHOTO: ANTARA FOTO
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It was a scene straight out of Chinese mythology, complete with hundreds of performers in elaborate costumes re-enacting Taoist folklore freely on the streets of Padang, West Sumatra.

Elsewhere, from Jakarta to Singkawang in West Kalimantan on Borneo island, devotees openly took part in rituals and festivities at Chinese temples on Tuesday to mark Chap Goh Meh, the 15th and last day of Chinese New Year.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 21, 2019, with the headline Ethnic Chinese votes a political dilemma for Indonesian election candidates. Subscribe