REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - President Susilo Yudhoyono, accompanied by First Lady Any Yudhoyono, attended the Chinese Cap Go Meh celebration event at the Jakarta Fair arena in Kemayoran on Sunday. 

The Indonesian Chinese celebrate Cap Go Meh 15 days after Chinese New Year or Imlek and the event this year was organized by the Chinese Indonesia Joint Forum (FBIT).

The theme of this year's event was Keep Moving Forward Indonesia to mark Imlek 2564 as a momentum for inviting all parties to uphold truth, love the country and safeguard the reputation of Indonesia as a big and respectful country.

In his speech FBIT chairman Murdaya W Poo said the Chinese Indonesian citizens were ready as part of the nation to advance the country following the issuance of Law Number 40, 2008 that eradicates discrimination against racial or ethnic groups in the country wiping out indigenous and non-indigenous division.

"We are now Indonesian citizens. We have the same responsibility and duties to build a prosperous Indonesia," he said.

Yudhoyono was also accompanied by Education and Culture Minister M Nuh, Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Djoko Suyanto, National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo, Presidential Special Aide for Political Communication Danier Sparringa and Deputy Governor of Jakarta Basuki Purnama. 

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