Deputy Minister for Women's Empowerment Stresses Importance of Diversity as Indonesia's Strength

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan stressed the importance of embracing diversity as one of Indonesia’s greatest strengths.

“We are not uniform, but diversity is Indonesia’s advantage,” Veronica said at the opening of the Lunar New Year Festival 2577 — Harmoni Imlek Nusantara at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, on Sunday.

Veronica stated that diversity serves as a force to bring Indonesia closer together and to demonstrate to the world that it poses no obstacle to mutual tolerance and respect.

This strength, she said, is reflected in the national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity). She expressed hope that the motto would be put into practice by all parties in their daily lives.

“So how do we turn this diversity into a strength for all of us, so that Bhinneka Tunggal Ika truly comes alive and exists on Indonesian soil,” said Veronica, who also serves as Deputy General Chairperson of Imlek Nasional.

Deputy Minister for the Creative Economy Irene Umar also revealed that the various events scheduled throughout the festival, running from 17 February to 3 March 2026, would demonstrate the true meaning of the motto.

“There will be surprises to showcase Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, Indonesia’s extraordinary wealth, where despite our differences we remain one,” Irene said.

Irene, who also serves as General Chairperson of Imlek Nasional, emphasised that Indonesia’s diversity is made all the more vibrant and beautiful by the arrival of the month of Ramadan, celebrated by the Muslim community at around the same time.

The term “Imlek” is itself a product of acculturation unique to the Indonesian archipelago, demonstrating that this tradition has blended into and become part of the shared identity of the Indonesian nation.

Beyond strengthening community bonds, the festival was also designed to stimulate the grassroots economy through increased MSME transactions and to encourage growth in the tourism sector, thereby delivering sustainable social and economic impact.

As a national celebration, the organisers wished to emphasise that Indonesia is a great nation capable of nurturing differences as a collective strength.

The festival is not merely a cultural stage but also a symbol of unity, a space for cross-community collaboration, and a driver of the grassroots economy.

The organisers also sought to demonstrate that, through the spirit of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, Imlek Nusantara serves as a reflection of an inclusive, tolerant, and optimistic Indonesia looking towards the future.