RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon described the National Lunar New Year celebration as a reflection of cultural acculturation in Indonesia.

Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, February 13, 2026, Minister Fadli Zon said he is also serving as an advisor to this year’s National Lunar New Year event committee.

“Imlek is one of the celebrations that is also a cultural event. Of course, we are very happy; this illustrates our cultural acculturation, which is very open and has a long history,” Minister Fadli Zon said, as quoted by Antara.

Minister Fadli Zon said the Lunar New Year celebration serves as part of Indonesia’s cultural bridge, reflecting influences from various cultures around the world as part of the acculturation process.

“There are so many influences from various cultures from everywhere, including from China, India, the Middle East and Europe. This is a place where cultural exchange and acculturation occur,” he said.

The government is set to hold the Lunar New Year Festival for the first time from February 17 to March 3, 2026, at Lapangan Banteng in Jakarta under the tagline “Harmoni Nusantara”.

Carrying the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika through inclusivity, diversity and interfaith harmony, the 2026 festival will feature lantern festivals in various cities, culinary markets showcasing acculturated food products, and arts and creative exhibitions.

The program will also include an open-air museum on Chinese-Indonesian cultural acculturation and the Nusantara Lunar New Year Parade featuring lion dance performances.

The peak of the National Lunar New Year Festival will be presented as an open and inclusive celebration for the public, featuring national silat and wushu athletes.

In addition to the main events in Jakarta, the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival will also be celebrated through nationwide activations in several cities, including Singkawang, Palembang, Solo, Semarang, Manado and Makassar, as well as other cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Bogor, Batam and Pontianak, highlighting local Lunar New Year cultural expressions under the Harmoni Nusantara theme. ***