Deputy Minister Highlights Chinese New Year Festival as Cultural Diplomacy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar said that the Chinese New Year Festival 2577, Harmony of the Indonesian Chinese New Year, is a step in cultural diplomacy to showcase the richness of Indonesian culture and the best talent in the creative economy sector.

"We want to show that we are already in the global arena. We are thriving on the world stage, not just here, but also as the host nation in our own country," Irene said when met in Jakarta on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Irene explained that the event will feature many themes, one of which is "Indonesia Wave x K-Pop," featuring a singing collaboration between Yun Jian and Saniyah.

Yun Jian is a K-Pop singer from South Korea who often sings dangdut koplo songs to Indonesian pop with a K-Pop vibes. Saniyah is an Indonesian singer who successfully stole attention at the South Korean singing competition, Veiled Up.

She claims that the live onstage collaboration with South Korean musicians is a method to demonstrate to the audience that Indonesian talent has made great strides in the South Korea.

"Therefore, it is incorrect to say that Indonesia is merely a consumer country. Many Indonesian talents have gone to Korea, and Koreans really enjoy it. It's not just keroncong, it's not just dangdut, but there's one example that will be showcased," said Irene.

According to her, diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Korea have existed for years. Therefore, collaboration is expected to further explore the nation's potential, particularly in the creative economy sector.

"So, today, on this stage, this is not an opening but a pre-opening to demonstrate how the creative economy can be a diplomatic tool between the two countries," she added.

Indonesia Chief Representative of Korea Content Creative Agency (KOCCA) Lee Gi Haun expressed hope that Indonesia and South Korea would work together more closely and actively in the music industry. It is thought that this robust partnership will help the content and music sectors in both countries.

"We will continue to move forward and work together in the future," said Lee Gi Haun.

Lee Gi Haun also appreciated the Indonesian government for its extraordinary preparations for the Chinese New Year Festival 2577, Harmony of the Indonesian New Year.

The 2577 Chinese New Year Festival, Harmony of the Indonesian Chinese New Year, officially opened at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta from February 17 to March 3, 2026.

The Chinese New Year, which coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, is expected to provide a space for reflection between religious communities and the community. The festival will feature a series of events, including the Lantern Festival, Culinary Market, Arts & Creative, the Open Museum: Acculturation of Chinese Culture, free health screenings, and various film installations ranging from "Jumbo" to "Pelangi di Mars."

The culmination of the celebrations will be held on February 28, 2026, featuring mass lion dance and lion dance performances, traditional music and dance performances, performances by national artists, and symbols of national harmony and unity. ***