Prabowo: Imlek Is Not Merely a Religious Celebration, but a Moment of National Unity
The government held the apex celebration of the Chinese New Year Festival 2026 on Saturday evening. During the event, President Prabowo Subianto stated that Chinese New Year is not merely a religious celebration, but rather a moment of national unity and brotherhood.
“I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, on behalf of myself and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, wish all a Happy Chinese New Year 2577, Year of the Fire Horse. Gong Xi Fa Cai,” Prabowo said in his greeting, broadcast virtually at Lapangan Banteng in Central Jakarta on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
“Chinese New Year is not merely a religious celebration. Imlek is a moment of national identity, brotherhood, and unity,” he continued.
Prabowo noted that the theme “Imlek Harmony Nusantara” reflects the nation’s identity. According to him, Indonesia has become a great nation thanks to its diversity.
“Indonesia is a great nation. A great nation is not afraid of differences. A great nation instead nurtures differences as a strength,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo also highlighted a special moment this year, in which the Imlek celebration coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. This, he said, is the true face of Indonesia. Different but harmonious, diverse but with one goal.
“This year’s Imlek celebration has profound meaning. Imlek arrives alongside the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. This is the true face of Indonesia. Different but harmonious, diverse but one purpose,” Prabowo stated.
He assessed that this evening’s Imlek celebration is proof that Indonesian unity is not merely a slogan, but a reality. Therefore, Prabowo hoped that this Chinese New Year would bring blessings to Indonesia.
“Let us welcome this new year with optimism, with courage, with determination to make Indonesia a nation that is just, prosperous, and dignified,” Prabowo said.
“I hope this Year of the Fire Horse brings blessings, health, peace, and new hope for us all,” he expressed.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming attended the Chinese New Year Festival 2026 celebration in person, accompanied by various government ministers. Among them were MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani, Minister for Coordination of Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Diktisaintek) Stella Christie, Minister for Coordination of Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), and Prabowo’s son Didit Hediprasetyo.
The Chinese New Year Festival 2026 was held in various cities throughout Indonesia, including Medan, Palembang, Batam, Bogor, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya, Pontianak, Singkawang, Makassar, and Manado. This harmony lives across the entire archipelago.