Jakarta – Bogor Regent Ade Yasin has issued a circular advising residents of Bogor regency in West Java to celebrate New Year's Eve in a modest manner without blowing paper trumpets or lighting fireworks.
"No fireworks, firecrackers, blowing trumpets and motorized vehicles convoying on New Year's Eve," stated the circular, Antara news agency reported on Friday.
The circular, signed by Ade on Thursday, was addressed to administration officials, region-owned enterprises and district and subdistrict heads, as well as the heads of organizations, local figures and members of the public.
"We want to support the Karsa Bogor Berkeadaban [civilized Bogor] program and to maintain harmony and public order," Ade said.
The circular consisted of four points. Besides the restriction on blowing horns and lighting fireworks, it also urged residents not to celebrate excessively, calling it an activity that has no advantages.
The regent asked residents to use the New Year's Eve instead as a moment to enhance their religious practices and their social sensitivity for helping others.
She also suggested Muslim residents spend New Year's Eve by taking part in mass prayers, dzikir (chants in praise of God) and muhasabah (reflection). (dpk)