Coordinating Minister AHY and Transmigration Minister Iftitah Celebrate Lunar New Year with Lo Hei Tradition in Batam
Batam, Kepulauan Riau – The Lunar New Year celebration in Batam, Kepulauan Riau, was enlivened by the presence of Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (Menko IPK) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) and Transmigration Minister (Mentrans) Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman. Both participated in the Lo Hei tradition, a hallmark Lunar New Year custom rich in symbolism and representing hopes for prosperity and togetherness. The attendance of these senior state officials further affirmed the government’s commitment to embracing cultural diversity and celebrating Imlek as part of Indonesia’s rich traditions.
The Imlek celebration attended by AHY and Iftitah took place at Swiss-belhotel Harbour Bay, Batam, on Monday evening, 16 February 2026. The hotel was adorned with traditional Lunar New Year decorations dominated by red and gold colours, with lanterns hanging beautifully throughout. AHY and Iftitah were warmly welcomed by Batam’s Chinese-Indonesian community, who were eager to share the joy of Imlek with the nation’s leaders.
In his address, AHY conveyed a message about the importance of national unity. He emphasised that Imlek, as one of Indonesia’s culturally meaningful celebrations, is now observed across the entire archipelago, demonstrating that the Indonesian nation is one unified whole. “We certainly continue to rejoice because this is such a warm expression, and Imlek is now celebrated everywhere, across all of Indonesia, because we are one unity,” AHY said enthusiastically. This message aligns with the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), which forms the foundation of Indonesian national unity.
Lo Hei: A Symbol of Hope and Prosperity
After delivering his address rallying the spirit of togetherness, AHY and Iftitah participated in the Lo Hei tradition, a distinctive Lunar New Year ritual involving the mixing of various food ingredients with deep symbolic meaning. Lo Hei, meaning “tossing up good fortune,” is a tradition popular among Chinese communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. It symbolises hopes for good fortune, prosperity, health, and success in the new year.
The Lo Hei procession began with the presentation of Yusheng, a raw fish salad consisting of various vegetables, fruits, and special sauces. The ingredients were arranged separately on a large plate, each symbolising different hopes and fortunes. For instance, carrots symbolise good luck, white radish represents career advancement, and pomelo slices signify prosperity. Raw salmon, as the main ingredient, symbolises abundance and plentiful blessings.
AHY, Iftitah, and other officials gathered around a round table laden with the Yusheng dish. Guided by a Chinese community leader, they began tossing the Yusheng ingredients together using chopsticks. While tossing, they recited phrases of hope and prayer, such as “Lo Hei, Lo Hei, Lo Hei!” — meaning “Toss up good fortune, toss up good fortune, toss up good fortune!” The higher the toss, the greater the hope for luck and prosperity in the new year.
The Yusheng tossing was not merely a ritual but also a moment of togetherness and joy. Laughter and banter filled the atmosphere, creating close bonds among the participants. The Lo Hei tradition teaches the importance of sharing happiness and hope with others, and of strengthening fraternal bonds.
Savouring Lunar New Year Cuisine
After the Lo Hei procession, AHY and Iftitah along with invited guests enjoyed dinner together. A five-course meal was served, beginning with appetisers, followed by delicious main courses, and concluding with sweet desserts. As the main dish, AHY chose to dine on chicken alongside the Chinese-Indonesian community in Batam. Chicken, in Lunar New Year tradition, symbolises family harmony and unity.
The dinner provided an opportunity for AHY and Iftitah to interact directly with Batam’s Chinese-Indonesian community. They engaged in casual conversation, listened to aspirations, and shared stories. The presence of senior state officials left a deep impression on Batam’s Chinese-Indonesian community, who felt valued and acknowledged by the government.
Deeper Meaning of the Lunar New Year Celebration
The Lunar New Year celebration is not merely a new year observance for the Chinese community but also a moment to reflect on the noble values it embodies. Imlek teaches about the importance of family, brotherhood, hard work, and gratitude. The celebration also provides an opportunity to strengthen bonds among all people, regardless of differences in ethnicity, religion, race, or social group.
The presence of AHY and Iftitah at the Lunar New Year celebration in Batam demonstrates that the Indonesian government values and respects the cultural diversity that exists in Indonesia. The government is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all citizens can celebrate their traditions and cultures freely and safely.
The Lunar New Year celebration also serves as a moment to raise awareness about the importance of tolerance and inter-religious harmony. Indonesia is a diverse nation with various ethnicities, religions, races, and social groups. This diversity is a treasure that must be preserved and maintained. By mutually respecting and appreciating differences, we can create a more harmonious, peaceful, and prosperous Indonesia.
Hopes for a Better Indonesia
The Lunar New Year celebration in Batam, with the presence of Menko IPK AHY and Mentrans Iftitah, stands as a symbol of hope for a better Indonesia in the future — hopes for prosperity, good fortune, health, and success in the new year, as well as hopes for unity, cohesion, and harmony among all people.
The spirit of Imlek, brimming with optimism and hope, should serve as motivation to continue working hard, contributing positively to the nation, and maintaining Indonesia’s unity. With a spirit of togetherness, we can realise a just, prosperous Indonesia for all its people.