RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Harmoni Imlek Nusantara 2577 was marked by a special procession of the Fire Horse mascot exchange between Indonesia and China. Vice Minister of Creative Economy / Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency as well as Chairperson of the National Chinese New Year Committee 2577, Irene Umar, emphasized that the moment fosters 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,” Vice Minister Irene stated at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

In an official statement received by RRI VOI on Wednesday night, 25 February 2026, the Fire Horse mascot exchange procession was conducted directly between Deputy Minister Irene and the Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of China in Jakarta, Wang Siping, symbolizing the spirit, courage, perseverance, and optimism of the Year of the Fire Horse 2577, as well as representing the lasting friendship between Indonesia and China.

She also underscored that intercultural harmony in public Chinese New Year celebrations reflects Indonesia’s strength in nurturing diversity while expanding cross-sectoral and international collaboration.

Meanwhile, Wang Siping expressed appreciation for the organization of Harmoni Imlek Nusantara, which fostered a festive and inclusive atmosphere. He noted that the celebration closely resembled those held in China and expressed hope that the event would continue as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.

“This atmosphere is very similar to Chinese New Year in China, and it reflects the same core philosophical idea of maintaining harmony and goodwill among one another,” Wang Siping conveyed.

Additionally, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Nasir, stated that the Chinese New Year celebration coinciding with Ramadan demonstrates intercultural and interfaith harmony as a strength of Indonesia that reinforces bilateral relations between the two countries.

“This is something very valuable. Other countries see this as Indonesia’s strength. This is where Indonesia is appreciated, where Indonesia becomes an example of differences in culture and belief that in fact constitute the nation’s strength,” he said.

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

This event affirms that cultural collaboration is not merely ceremonial, but a strategic foundation for building trust and strengthening sustainable Indonesia–China cooperation.