Indonesia and China Foster Creative Diplomacy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The harmony of the 2577 Indonesian Lunar New Year was especially special with the exchange of Fire Horse mascots between Indonesia and China. Vice Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency and Chairperson of the 2577 National Chinese New Year Committee, Irene Umar, emphasized that this momentum strengthens Indonesia-China creative diplomacy.

"We are not only celebrating tradition, but also celebrating friendship. This Fire Horse mascot exchange symbolizes the closeness between Indonesia and China, not only people-to-people, but also mascot-to-mascot," Vice Minister of Creative Economy, Irene, said in Jakarta, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The Fire Horse mascot exchange took place directly between Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene and Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta, Wang Siping. It symbolizes the spirit, courage, fighting spirit, and optimism of the Year of the Fire Horse 2577, as well as the continued friendship between Indonesia and China.

Irene also affirmed that the cross-cultural harmony of Chinese New Year celebrations in public spaces reflects Indonesia's strength in nurturing diversity and expanding collaboration across sectors and countries.

Wang Siping expressed his appreciation for the organization of the Indonesian Chinese New Year Harmony, which created a warm and togetherness-filled atmosphere. He described the event as similar to celebrations in China and expressed his hope that it would continue to serve as a bridge for friendship between the two nations.

"This atmosphere is very similar to Chinese New Year in China, and its essence echoes the Chinese philosophical idea of maintaining harmony and kindness among one another," Wang conveyed.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Nasir, stated that the Chinese New Year celebrations, which coincide with Ramadan, demonstrate intercultural and interfaith harmony as Indonesia's strength, strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

"This is something very valuable; foreign countries see it as Indonesia's strength. This is where Indonesia is appreciated, and this is where Indonesia becomes an example of the diversity of cultures and beliefs, but it is precisely this that is Indonesia's strength," he said.

The Harmony of the Indonesian Lunar New Year also featured artistic performances and the involvement of Indonesian talent, including singer Indah Kus, who once competed in a talent search in China, reflecting Indonesia's immense creative potential on the global stage.

This momentum emphasized that cultural collaboration is not merely a ceremony, but a strategic foundation for building trust and strengthening sustainable cooperation between Indonesia and China.