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DEPUTY Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar said the Harmoni Imlek Nusantara, or Nusantara Chinese New Year Harmony event, reflects the acculturation of Indonesia’s diverse cultures and promotes national cultural identity.
“The acculturation of Indonesian culture exists only here, where culture is our source code. With the creativity of our people, it can become an extraordinary economic engine,” she said Saturday evening.
Irene, also chair of the 2026 National Lunar New Year Committee, noted the event featured a public stage to promote Indonesia as a destination for celebrating Chinese New Year and Ramadan concurrently this year.
National Lunar New Year celebrations took place across Indonesia, including Jakarta, featuring talent performances, local product bazaars, and cultural showcases.
She emphasized that culture serves as a national identity and a potential economic driver, urging stakeholders to collaborate in developing cultural initiatives nationwide.
The peak celebration included performances from taichi, silat, wing chun, and wushu groups, along with lion dances and drone shows displaying various formations.
“We want to show this is Nusantara Chinese New Year Harmony. Indonesia is the most inclusive country in the world, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—different but still one,” Irene said.
Besides Jakarta, Harmoni Imlek Nusantara runs through Cap Go Meh, the 15th night of the first lunar month, and is held in Palembang, Singkawang, Medan, Manado, Makassar, and Pontianak with lion dances, lantern festivals, and culinary bazaars. [traveltext.id]
