Lunar New Year Parade During Ramadan Demonstrates Indonesia as Inclusive Nation, Says Deputy Minister of Creative Economy
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, opened the 2026 National Lunar New Year Parade at Lapangan Banteng, central Jakarta, on Saturday, 28 February 2026. The culmination of the National Lunar New Year Festival attracted significant public attention due to its timing during the holy month of Ramadan, serving as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and religious harmony among various faiths in Indonesia.
The parade began with a march from the Cathedral Church area towards Lapangan Banteng. The location choice was deliberately made to emphasise a message of tolerance, given that the area is situated directly between Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church.
“Indonesia is the most inclusive nation because diversity is not merely spoken about but demonstrated through action. This Lunar New Year celebration belongs not to one group, but to all Indonesian society,” said Irene Umar in her remarks.
The parade featured collaborative processions blending Chinese and Nusantara traditions. Spectators were treated to performances of Barongsai and Liong Dragon alongside Ondel-ondel, Jaran Kepang, and Bedug Yudha Asri performances. Parade participants came from various regions including Pontianak, Surakarta, Medan, and Semarang.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, who also attended, emphasised that this cultural space serves as an important educational platform. According to her, the contributions of the Chinese community in history, language, and cuisine are inseparable parts of shaping Indonesian national identity.
“Many cultural elements we know today arose from a long process of acculturation, including national struggles conducted together,” said Stella.
The large-scale event was also supported by the private sector through practical action on the ground. Artha Graha Peduli (AGP) deployed its “Clean Sweep” (Saber) team to ensure Lapangan Banteng remained clean throughout and after the event, establishing an environmentally friendly standard for cultural festivals.
From an economic perspective, Bank Artha Graha Internasional (BAGI) promoted digitalisation among UMKM entrepreneurs involved. Festival transactions were directed towards using QRIS to accelerate digital financial literacy.
“We want this cultural celebration to be not only visually beautiful but also environmentally clean and economically strong for UMKM entrepreneurs,” said AGP management representative Hanna Lilies.
The event was also attended by several national figures, including Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar, Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan, and Governor of North Maluku Sherly Tjoanda. Through the 2026 National Lunar New Year Parade, the government hopes this cross-sector collaboration can continue to foster values of mutual cooperation and advance a creative economy ecosystem based on diversity.