Cap Go Meh Festival in SCBD: A Symbol of Indonesia's Harmonious Diversity
JAKARTA — The Lunar New Year 2026 celebration titled “Ride to Luck” – Cap Go Meh Festival is not merely a Chinese cultural celebration, but rather a symbol of harmony within Indonesia’s diversity. The festival, held in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) area, merges Chinese, Betawinese, and Islamic cultures in a unified celebration that reflects national cohesion.
“This festival simultaneously affirms that fortune is not merely about symbols or tradition, but about togetherness, harmony, and optimism in facing the future,” said Ananta Pribadi, Director of PT Creative Event Entertainment (CEE), during the “Lunar New Year & Cap Go Meh 2026: Ride to Luck” event at SCBD Park and SCBD Weekland, Jakarta, on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Ananta explained that Cap Go Meh traditionally falls on the 15th day after Lunar New Year, which this year was scheduled for 3 March 2026. However, the celebration was moved forward to 1 March 2026 due to the special “Cap Go Meh Ride to Luck” festival, which began on 16–17 February and culminated on this day.
“The name ‘Ride to Luck’ was chosen because this year is the Year of the Fire Horse. Through this theme, we wish to invite everyone to pursue fortune together and move towards something better,” Ananta stated.
Ananta noted that this year’s Cap Go Meh celebration is particularly special as it coincides with Ramadan, which further strengthens the meaning of togetherness and tolerance. With high community participation and rich cultural collaboration, the festival serves as a concrete example of how cultural differences can become a source of collective strength and prosperity.
“This represents harmony within togetherness, harmony within difference, within diversity,” he continued.
Ananta said the festival embraces a cultural paradigm involving three main elements: Chinese culture, Betawinese culture, and Islamic culture. Through the integration of these three cultural elements, the organisers aim to affirm that true fortune emerges from peace, unity, and diversity.