Lunar New Year and Ramadhan Converge: Minister of Religion Says Two Traditions Complement Each Other
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar has stated that the celebration of Lunar New Year occurring close to Ramadhan serves as a symbol of harmony between two major traditions in Indonesia. This moment is regarded as reflecting the nation’s strength in unity amid diversity.
The Minister made these remarks at the pinnacle of the National Lunar New Year 2577 celebration, titled “Nusantara Lunar New Year Harmony,” held at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, on Saturday evening, 28 February 2026. According to him, this cross-traditional celebration demonstrates religious and cultural life that mutually strengthens one another.
“This year’s Lunar New Year celebration coincides with Muslims throughout Indonesia entering or having just entered the holy month of Ramadhan. The glowing red lanterns of Lunar New Year become a beautiful symbol of how these two major traditions, Lunar New Year and Ramadhan, can complement each other in a spirit of togetherness,” said Nasaruddin.
He assessed that the Lunar New Year observance is not merely a year change in the Chinese tradition but also carries deep spiritual and social significance. The celebration becomes a space for new hopes, personal renewal, and the spirit of building better lives.
According to Nasaruddin, the Nusantara Lunar New Year Harmony also serves as a meeting place across cultures, religions, and generations. This festival strengthens Indonesia’s position as a nation capable of maintaining diversity in a peaceful atmosphere.
“Here we see that diversity is not a separator but a force that unites us,” he stated.
He added that the level of inter-religious harmony among believers in Indonesia shows a positive trend. The national harmony index in 2025 reportedly reached its highest point in history.
Nasaruddin assessed that the series of religious celebrations throughout the year, from Christmas to Lunar New Year, reflects increasingly strong tolerance qualities. This condition indicates that social cohesion continues to be maintained within a pluralistic society.
The Minister stressed that the Lunar New Year festival serves as a means to strengthen brotherhood and cultivate the values of mutual cooperation. Cultural activities, micro and small enterprise markets, and acculturation performances are viewed as educational mediums for tolerance among young generations.
“Values contained within the Lunar New Year celebration such as virtue, harmony, gratitude, and hope are aligned with the noble values of the Indonesian nation,” he stated.
He affirmed that the government’s organisation of the festival reflects the state’s presence in maintaining social harmony. Unity across ethnic groups, cultures, and religions is regarded as an important foundation for the nation’s future.
Nasaruddin expressed hope that the Lunar New Year celebration will bring peace and strengthen social solidarity, including care for one another during Ramadhan. This moment is expected to encourage communities to continue sharing and maintaining unity.