Minister of Religion and Governor Shelly Strike Gong to Open Nusantara Lunar New Year Parade 2026

JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar, together with a number of senior officials, struck traditional drums to officially open the Harmoni Imlek Nusantara (Nusantara Lunar New Year Harmony) parade held at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar Li, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Stella Christie, Deputy Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, and several regional leaders at the parade opening.

Among the regional leaders present were North Maluku Governor Shelly Tjoanda and Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti.

The ceremony master announced: “Together, let us accompany three drums from Harmoni Imlek Nusantara—one from the Cathedral, one from the Istiqlal Mosque, and one from the regions.”

Three traditional drums (bedug) were prepared on stage. The drum from the Istiqlal Mosque was struck by the Indonesian Minister of Religion, the drum from the Cathedral was struck by a representative from the Cathedral Church, and the drum from the regions was struck by Governor Shelly.

After the drums were struck several times, the parade procession commenced. The parade featured performances of lion dances (barongsai) from various regions, Ondel-ondel figures, Reog Ponorogo traditional dance, pencak silat martial arts demonstrations, and various other traditional performances from across the archipelago.