The excitement of the 2021 Chinese New Year celebration does not seem as lively as in previous years. Obviously different, this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations coincide with the Covid-19 pandemic. It is undeniable that the Covid-19 pandemic has a significant impact on all sectors of life to human activities.
People who celebrate Chinese New Year 2021 are urged to comply with health protocols (prokes) because this year’s Chinese New Year is under the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. However as usual, the security is well prepared. The security process is handed over to the Head of Regional Units (Kasatwil), both from the Polda, Polres, and Polsek to guard at central points. The distribution of security points, of course, is adjusted to the vulnerabilities that arise in Chinese New Year activities in the region.
Not only Chinese merchants who have decreased their turnover by 50 percent, but lion dance players have also felt the impact of Covid-19. West Jakarta’s Pancoran Glodok area is one of the highlights every time a Chinese New Year is celebrated because trading activities are unusual. Usually, the area is crowded with visitors during Chinese New Year. However, not this year.