Prabowo: Lunar New Year Is a Moment of Nationalism, Brotherhood, and Unity

JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has described the Lunar New Year as more than a religious celebration, characterising it instead as a moment of nationalism, brotherhood, and unity.

Prabowo conveyed this message in a video statement presented at the Harmoni Imlek Nusantara event held at Lapangan Banteng in Jakarta on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

“The Lunar New Year is not merely a religious celebration. It is a moment of nationalism, brotherhood, and unity,” Prabowo stated in his video address.

The Head of State also extended Lunar New Year greetings to those celebrating the occasion.

Prabowo noted that the 2026 Lunar New Year celebration carries the theme “Harmoni Imlek Nusantara” (Nusantara Lunar Harmony). This theme reflects the true identity of Indonesia as a great nation precisely because of its diversity, strong because of its unity, and standing firm because of its collective spirit.

“This celebration does not merely showcase tradition and culture. It affirms the values of mutual cooperation, solidarity, and human dignity,” he said.

According to Prabowo, the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival represents a celebration demonstrating that Indonesia has not been built by a single ethnic group or faction alone, but by all the nation’s children working together.

For Prabowo, this year’s Lunar New Year celebration holds profound significance.

“This is the true face of Indonesia. Different yet harmonious, diverse yet united in purpose. My fellow citizens, Indonesia is a great nation. A great nation does not fear differences. A great nation actually cherishes differences as a source of strength,” Prabowo emphasised.

Additionally, President Prabowo stated that the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival is being held across multiple cities throughout Indonesia, including Medan, Palembang, Batam, Bogor, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya, Pontianak, Singkawang, Makassar, and Manado.

This demonstrates that Indonesian unity is not merely a slogan, but a living reality.

“Harmoni Imlek Nusantara is a symbol that the future of this nation is built through togetherness, hard work, unity, and the courage to stand as one people,” he added.

“I hope this Year of the Fire Horse brings blessings, health, peace, and new hope for us all,” Prabowo said.

“Gong Xi Fa Cai. Happy New Year. May fortune, health, and happiness accompany us all,” he concluded.