Indonesia-China Fosters Creative Diplomacy at Lunar Celebration

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Harmoni Imlek Nusantara 2577 becomes even more special with the ceremonial exchange of the Fire Horse mascot between Indonesia and China. Vice Minister of Creative Economy and Chair of the National Chinese New Year Committee 2577, Irene Umar, affirmed that the moment strengthened Indonesia–China creative diplomacy.

“We are not only celebrating tradition, but also celebrating friendship. The exchange of the Fire Horse mascot symbolizes the closeness between Indonesia and China - not only people to people, but also mascot to mascot,” Irene said at Lapangan Banteng on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

The Fire Horse mascot exchange was conducted directly between Irene and Wang Siping, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta. The ceremony symbolized spirit, courage, resilience, and optimism in the Year of the Fire Horse 2577, as well as the enduring friendship between Indonesia and China. Irene highlighted that cross-cultural harmony in public Lunar New Year celebrations reflects Indonesia’s strength in nurturing diversity while expanding cross-sector and cross-country collaboration.

Wang Siping expressed appreciation for the organization of Harmoni Imlek Nusantara, which created a warm and inclusive atmosphere. He noted that the celebration closely resembled Lunar New Year festivities in China and hoped the event would continue serving as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.

“This atmosphere is very similar to Lunar New Year in China. It also embodies the same philosophical idea of maintaining harmony and goodwill among one another,” Wang conveyed.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Nasir, stated that celebrating Lunar New Year alongside Ramadan demonstrates intercultural and interfaith harmony as a defining strength of Indonesia that further solidifies bilateral relations.

“This is something truly valuable. Other countries see this as Indonesia’s strength. This is where Indonesia is respected- where differences in culture and belief become a source of unity and power,” he remarked.

Harmoni Imlek Nusantara also featured artistic performances and the involvement of Indonesian talents, including singer Indah Kus, who once competed in a talent show in China -reflecting Indonesia’s vast creative potential on the global stage.