Special Report: Spring Festival Special 2009 

     JAKARTA, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese-Indonesians from different religious backgrounds went to the Confucianism temples to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Monday, the Jakarta Post reported on Tuesday.

    "Imlek (Chinese New Year) is part of our culture and identity; it's a chance for us to remind ourselves and our children of where we came from," said David Lie, a Christian visitor at the Boen TekBio Temple in West Java's Tangerang.

    David said doing so did not mean he was defying his religion. "I am a devout Christian who goes to church on Sundays. But does that deny me the right to respect my ancestors and preserve their culture? I don't think so," he said.

    Djoko Pujana, a Muslim visitor, echoed, saying the festival was a chance to reflect on his life and remember his ancestors. "I want my kids to know who their ancestors were. I don't think praying for their souls and remembering why we are here now makes me less of a Muslim," he said.

    Meanwhile, in Bali, thousands of people from Hindu, Taoist and Buddhist backgrounds went to the Griya Kongco temple, said the temple's High Priest, Ida Bagus Adnyana. He added that the temple has been a go-to site for the three different religions since several hundred years ago and will continue to serve adherents of all religions.

    On the other hand, "Gong Xi Fat Chai", which means "May You Have a Prosperous Year" in Chinese, became very popular during the festival across Indonesia not only for Chinese-Indonesians but also for other people in the country. For Indonesians, its meaning has been extended to more than just parties and celebrations but more a chance to reflect on Chinese-Indonesians' past and legacy.