Indonesian Riau Christians Prohibited from Celebrating Christmas

[pelihat]

A letter containing the prohibition on celebrating Christmas 2023 and New Year in the Merbau Village area was widely circulated and made the community anxious.

The official letter with the village logo was signed by the Head of Merbau Village, Pelalawan, Riau Kasmiran on December 22.

The reason the letter was written was for the safety and comfort of the community.

Circular Number: 141/PEM-MB/XII/2023/02 contains two points prohibiting Christmas and New Year.

1. Prohibit Christmas and New Year celebrations in the Merbau area that gather large crowds or bring in people from outside Merbau Village, if they do not have official permission.

2. People who want to celebrate Christmas and New Year must report it to the Merbau Village government, have official permission and get approval from the community in the area where the event is being held.

Sources:
__Kades di Riau Larang Masyarakat Rayakan Natal 2023 dan Tahun Baru 2024, Viral di Media Sosial

__Viral! Oknum Kades di Riau Larang Masyarakat Rayakan Natal 2023 dan Tahun Baru 2024, Begini Jadinya! - Pojok Baca - Halaman 2

__Tema Natal 2023: Perayaan Natal sempat diwarnai penolakan di Riau – kenapa persoalan ini terus berulang? - BBC News Indonesia