Lunar New Year Celebrations in Semarang: Mayor Emphasises Unity and City Harmony
The celebrations for Lunar New Year 2577 Kongzili, or Imlek Vaganza 2026, held at the Sam Poo Kong Grand Temple on Sunday, 16 February 2026, were a lively affair. Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng affirmed that the Lunar New Year celebration serves as a powerful symbol of harmony and diversity in the city.
In her address, she noted that Sam Poo Kong, which has stood for more than 600 years, is one of the historical icons as well as a cultural and tourism centre in the Central Java capital. "Sam Poo Kong is a treasure of Semarang. Many festivals are held here and they all attract visitors, including from overseas," she said.
She also revealed that Semarang is planned to host the National Lunar New Year celebration next year. To that end, all elements of society were asked to prepare and improve the quality of services, including MSME operators.
At this year's Imlek Vaganza event, some 250 MSME traders were involved. Agustina said the economic turnover during the event was palpable, evident from the enthusiasm of visitors and the brisk sales of goods. "Traditions stay alive, and the people's economy also moves. This is what we hope for," she said.
According to her, the Lunar New Year celebration does not belong solely to the Chinese community but is a people's festival that strengthens brotherhood across ethnic and religious lines. The theme "Nusantara Harmony" was considered apt, as this year's Lunar New Year coincided with the Dugderan tradition ahead of Ramadan and the early pre-Easter period for Christians. "At one point in time, three religious moments are running simultaneously. This is beautiful, because Semarang is a peaceful and harmonious city," she stressed.
She also referenced the Warak Ngendog symbol, an icon of cultural acculturation in Semarang. Warak Ngendog represents the blending of Chinese, Javanese, and Arab cultures living side by side and producing harmony. At the close of her address, Agustina urged the entire community to maintain a conducive atmosphere throughout the series of celebrations, from Lunar New Year to Dugderan and Ramadan.
"On behalf of the Semarang City Government, we wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year 2577. May blessings, prosperity, and peace accompany our steps in building an ever greater Semarang."
In her address, she noted that Sam Poo Kong, which has stood for more than 600 years, is one of the historical icons as well as a cultural and tourism centre in the Central Java capital. "Sam Poo Kong is a treasure of Semarang. Many festivals are held here and they all attract visitors, including from overseas," she said.
She also revealed that Semarang is planned to host the National Lunar New Year celebration next year. To that end, all elements of society were asked to prepare and improve the quality of services, including MSME operators.
At this year's Imlek Vaganza event, some 250 MSME traders were involved. Agustina said the economic turnover during the event was palpable, evident from the enthusiasm of visitors and the brisk sales of goods. "Traditions stay alive, and the people's economy also moves. This is what we hope for," she said.
According to her, the Lunar New Year celebration does not belong solely to the Chinese community but is a people's festival that strengthens brotherhood across ethnic and religious lines. The theme "Nusantara Harmony" was considered apt, as this year's Lunar New Year coincided with the Dugderan tradition ahead of Ramadan and the early pre-Easter period for Christians. "At one point in time, three religious moments are running simultaneously. This is beautiful, because Semarang is a peaceful and harmonious city," she stressed.
She also referenced the Warak Ngendog symbol, an icon of cultural acculturation in Semarang. Warak Ngendog represents the blending of Chinese, Javanese, and Arab cultures living side by side and producing harmony. At the close of her address, Agustina urged the entire community to maintain a conducive atmosphere throughout the series of celebrations, from Lunar New Year to Dugderan and Ramadan.
"On behalf of the Semarang City Government, we wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year 2577. May blessings, prosperity, and peace accompany our steps in building an ever greater Semarang."