RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Chinese New Year Celebration 2026 will highlight the richness of Lunar New Year traditions from across the Archipelago. Irene Umar, Chairperson of the National Chinese New Year Committee 2026, noted that these traditions continue to flourish in various regions.

She pointed to examples such as Grebeg Sudiro in Surakarta and Cap Go Meh in Palembang, South Sumatra, as well as celebrations in Manado, North Sulawesi, and Makassar, South Sulawesi.

“This year’s Imlek festival is a moment to showcase the wealth of Lunar New Year traditions from different parts of Indonesia. Beyond Singkawang, many regions have developed their own unique celebrations,” Irene said in a written statement received by RRI.CO.ID on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

According to Irene, the growing vibrancy of Lunar New Year festivities reflects Indonesia’s cultural harmony and diversity. “This diversity embodies the cultural harmony that thrives within Indonesian society,” she added.

Carrying the theme Harmony of Nusantara Imlek, the 2026 celebration also seeks to strengthen social solidarity as part of building national character. The event is not only a cultural expression but also a platform for social initiatives that encourage mutual cooperation and community solidarity.

Irene emphasized that the celebration will reinforce humanitarian values through the Light Sharing Movement. This program is designed to foster public participation in strengthening social care, realized through efforts to improve human resource quality.

The initiative includes expanding access to vocational education, developing technology-based skills, and supporting creative economy opportunities. It also aims to empower communities affected by disasters, helping them achieve economic independence and competitiveness.

“Beyond that, the movement also focuses on strengthening facilities that support productive community activities, such as educational infrastructure and sustainable energy-based development, to bolster social and economic resilience across regions,” Irene explained.

Other aspects of the Light Sharing Movement include providing clean water facilities and developing housing that supports family-based economic activities. These steps are expected to accelerate community recovery and improve quality of life sustainably.

As part of strengthening the social safety net, the program also extends support to vulnerable groups through social assistance. This aid will prioritize basic needs, including nutrition support and essential supplies during disaster response.

“It is hoped that this initiative will serve as a space to reinforce social solidarity while affirming gotong royong (mutual cooperation) as a foundation of national life. The celebration reflects the spirit of unity in diversity and a collective effort to deliver tangible benefits to society,” Irene said.

The National Chinese New Year Celebration 2026 is organized collaboratively with ministries, government agencies, local administrations, and communities. This collaborative approach ensures that the cultural festivities generate broader and more sustainable social impact. (Gusti Panji/Sri Wahyuni)