Ibas Urges Indonesians to Make Lunar New Year a Moment of National Harmony

On the occasion of Lunar New Year 2577 Kongzili, the Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), extended warm greetings and called on all Indonesians to use the celebrations as a space for reflection on virtue, brotherhood, and the spirit of togetherness as a nation.

“Happy Lunar New Year 2577 Kongzili, Gong He Xin Xi, Wan Shi Ru Yi, to the Confucian community and all citizens celebrating,” said Ibas in a written statement on Tuesday (17 February 2026).

Fire Horse Energy: The Spirit of Speed and Resolve

Entering the New Year 2577, which in the Chinese calendar is the Year of the Fire Horse, Ibas offered particular reflections on the philosophy and energy carried by this symbol. The Fire Horse is known as a symbol representing speed, strength, and blazing spirit.

“The Year of the Fire Horse is a year full of energy and dynamism. For the Chinese community and all of us as a nation, this is a moment to move faster, work harder, yet remain level-headed. The horse symbolises the resolve to keep moving forward, whilst the fire element provides the courage to make breakthroughs,” Ibas explained.

He expressed hope that the Fire Horse energy could be transformed into national optimism to accelerate development and strengthen economic resilience.

“Let us use the spirit of the Fire Horse to race ahead, to drive innovation, whilst ensuring that the ‘fire’ becomes a source of illumination and warmth for unity, not a fire that destroys harmony,” he added.

Lunar New Year: A Tradition That Teaches About Life

The MPR RI leader, who coordinates the Research Division, noted that every cultural celebration in Indonesia carries a message about life. The Lunar New Year, for instance, teaches about the meaning of family, hard work, perseverance, and hope for a better future.

Edhie Baskoro observed that Indonesian society inherently shares these same values: respecting elders, maintaining family ties, working hard for the future of their children, and preserving harmony with their surroundings.

“The values of the Lunar New Year teach us that life must be lived with virtue, hard work, and good hope. These are universal values that are also a strength of our nation,” said the IPB University doctoral graduate.

Togetherness as National Strength

In his reflections, the East Java VII constituency representative emphasised that Indonesia’s strength lies not only in its natural resources or economic power, but in the unity of its people.

He observed that the values of togetherness felt during Lunar New Year celebrations — such as gathering with family, sharing blessings, and praying for one another — reflect the gotong royong (mutual cooperation) values that form the nation’s identity.

He reminded that amidst a world full of challenges and global uncertainty, the Indonesian nation must continue to safeguard social harmony.

“If the people are harmonious, mutually respectful, and look after one another, then this nation will always be strong enough to face any challenge,” he said.

Nurturing Diversity as a Path to Progress

As a people’s representative, Edhie Baskoro also stressed that Indonesia’s diversity must continue to be nurtured as a national strength. He argued that tolerance is not merely a slogan but must be present in daily life and in national development policies.

According to him, Indonesia can serve as a global example of how diversity can coexist peacefully.

“Indonesia is our shared great home. This home must be maintained with virtue, tolerance, and mutual respect,” he said.

Hopes and Prayers for Indonesia in the Year 2577 Kongzili

Concluding his message, Edhie Baskoro, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), expressed his hope that Lunar New Year 2577 would bring positive energy for all Indonesians. He hoped this year would be one of peace, health, and economic progress.

“May the Lunar New Year bring blessings and success for us all. Let us welcome Indonesia’s future with the spirit of virtue, brotherhood, and new hope in this Year of the Fire Horse,” he concluded.