Imlek Festival 2577 Offers Free Health Checks for the Public
Jakarta (ANTARA) — Imlek Festival Chairperson Irene Umar announced that the Imlek Festival 2577–Harmoni Imlek Nusantara is offering free health checks (Cek Kesehatan Gratis/CKG) to the public.
“Before shopping, there are free health checks. Anyone with an identity card can go straight in for a free health check, and this is no half-measure,” said Irene at the opening of the Imlek Festival 2577–Harmoni Imlek Nusantara at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, on Sunday.
Irene, who also serves as Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, said the available screenings range from blood tests to ultrasounds for breast and cervical examinations.
A booth operated by the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is also open until 6pm for those wishing to donate blood.
She described the inclusion of free health checks at the festival as a form of empowerment through the health sector.
Beyond public health, Irene emphasised that the festival was organised to showcase the nation’s diversity and its capacity to live harmoniously, through cultural acculturation and the performances on display.
The event was also seen as a concrete demonstration of the meaning behind Indonesia’s national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity).
The choice of Lapangan Banteng as the venue was deliberate, given its location in the heart of the capital as an egalitarian public space. Situated between Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church, it serves as a symbol of tolerance and represents the spirit of unity and interfaith harmony.
With Imlek coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, the festival is hoped to serve as a space for reflection among religious communities and the wider public.
The festival programme includes a Lantern Festival, a Culinary Market, Arts and Crafts displays, an Open Museum on Chinese-Indonesian Cultural Acculturation, free health checks, and various film-themed ornaments ranging from “Jumbo” to “Pelangi di Mars”.
The peak celebration is set for 28 February 2026, featuring a mass barongsai and liong (lion and dragon dance) performance, traditional music and dance shows, appearances by national artists, and symbols of national harmony and unity.