AHY: Chinese New Year Festival proves Indonesia values diversity
Jakarta — Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono viewed the Harmoni Imlek Nusantara festival celebration as reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a pluralistic nation that respects differences.
“The Harmoni Imlek Nusantara celebration sends a message that Indonesia is a highly diverse nation. We respect and value every identity difference that we possess, and tonight represents an offering demonstrating that the Indonesian people deeply respect our Chinese brothers and sisters,” said Minister Yudhoyono following the peak celebration of Chinese New Year 2577 in Jakarta on Saturday.
Wearing traditional Chinese red-hued Changshan attire, he noted that this year’s Imlek celebration was particularly special as it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.
“This tolerance continues to thrive in Indonesia and is especially meaningful because it falls during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslim adherents are observing the fast. I believe this occurs only in Indonesia, where every identity is celebrated together,” he emphasised.
He also appreciated the event and expressed hope that in the Year of the Fire Horse, Indonesia would continue transforming into an increasingly advanced nation.
“Hopefully in 2026, or 2577 in the Chinese zodiac, our Indonesia can continue to possess positive energy and the spirit to continue transforming towards a more prosperous and advanced future,” he stated.
The National Chinese New Year Festival 2026 was presented as a celebration highlighting Indonesian diversity through arts, traditions, and culinary experiences. Chinese New Year was positioned not merely as a celebration of the ethnic Chinese community, but as a shared space for all Indonesians in the spirit of harmony and unity.
The event, centred at Lapangan Banteng in Jakarta, featured performances from taichi, silat, wing chun, and wushu communities, along with lion dance performances and drone shows displaying various formations. Beyond Jakarta, the Harmoni Imlek Nusantara celebration extended to the Lantern Festival celebration in Palembang, Singkawang, Medan, Manado, Makassar, and Pontianak, featuring lion dances, lantern festivals, and culinary bazaars.