RRI.CO.ID, Semarang - At the Tay Kak Sie Temple, the scent of incense gradually fills the air, combining with the flickering candlelight throughout the day. The "Ketuk Pintu/Knock on the door" tradition is being held to mark the beginning of the 2026 Chinese New Year.

According to Harjanto Kusuma Halim, Head of the Semarang Chinatown Community for Tourism (Kopi Semawis), this ceremony marks the official opening of the Semawis Chinese New Year Market, as a kind of intercultural prayer for the pleasant and fortunate festivities.  "Ketuk Pintu" has a profound philosophical meaning

This ritual serves as the official opening of the Semawis Chinese New Year Market and is also a form of intercultural prayer for the smooth and blessed celebrations. Harjanto Kusuma Halim, Head of the Semarang Chinatown Community for Tourism (Kopi Semawis), stated that "Ketuk Pintu" has deep philosophical meaning.

This custom is understood to be a plea to the cosmos and our ancestors for their consent. It's not merely a symbolic act, it's an expression of respect and permission.

"We ask for blessings from the nine temples in Chinatown. The diversity here is not for show, but for everyday living," he said during the "Ketuk Pintu" event at the Tay Kak Sie Temple on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Harjanto said that during this occasion, male participants wore sarongs or traditional Indonesian attire, while female participants wore kebaya, a traditional Javanese garment for women that ranges from the encim kebaya to the kutu baru kebaya. The younger generation also contributed to the vibrant mood by wearing Japanese-inspired cosplay.

Figures of Sun Gokong, the Goddess Kwan Im, Hanoman, Gatotkaca, and even wayang characters were present in this traditional procession.

"If possible, this Ketuk Pintu ritual should be like a cultural cosplay festival," he said.

As part of the "Ketuk Pintu", they also distributed holy water from the five temples to the community.  Water represents prayer, safety, and best wishes for everyone who receives it.

Visitors were also treated to traditional Chinese Muslim cuisine from the Xinjiang region. Many people may have never tried this Chinese Muslim specialty from Sinjiang.

"This is also part of introducing diversity," he said.

This year, the Semawis Chinese New Year Market is being held in conjunction with the Dugderan Market, a pre-Ramadan tradition typical of Semarang.

These two major cultural events are expected not to compete, but rather to strengthen each other. "Chinese, Islamic, and Javanese cultures, when combined, are like food with salt; the taste becomes even better," he said.

He is optimistic that the synergy between the Semawis Chinese New Year Market and Dugderan will increase tourism and stimulate the city's economy. The enthusiasm of MSMEs is also high, bringing new products and enthusiasm amidst hopes for an economic revival in 2026 after the slowdown of the previous year.

 Indriyasari, Head of the Semarang City Culture and Tourism Agency, expressed her belief that this year's Chinese New Year series reflects Semarang's identity as a city that upholds tolerance.

"Today we are praying together or knocking on the door, asking God to ensure that the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations run smoothly, are successful, and are blessed for all," she said. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)