Deputy Ministers Irene Umar and Veronica Tan Open National Lunar New Year Festival in Central Jakarta

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy (Ekraf) Irene Umar and Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Veronica Tan officially opened the National Lunar New Year Festival. The event is being held at Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta.

As observed at the venue on Sunday (22/2/2026), the opening ceremony featured the beating of a traditional bedug drum, followed by a lion dance performance.

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy and festival committee chairwoman Irene Umar said the festival would run for eight days. The event carries the theme “Harmoni Imlek Nusantara” (Lunar New Year Harmony of the Archipelago).

“This is just the first day. Can you imagine — eight full days packed with surprises to showcase Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, Indonesia’s extraordinary richness, where despite our differences we remain one. That is the beauty of Harmoni Imlek Nusantara during this Ramadan month,” Irene said in her remarks.

She explained that members of the public wishing to attend the National Lunar New Year Festival would not be charged an entrance fee. Visitors can also take advantage of a free health screening programme.

“Before shopping, there are also free health checks available, where anyone with an identity card can get screened on the spot. And this is no half measure — it’s not just blood tests, there are also ultrasound examinations available, including breast and cervical ultrasounds,” she said.

In addition, visitors can participate in blood donation organised by the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). The activity is available until the evening.

“If you’d like to donate blood, there is a PMI booth open until 6 pm,” she said.