Indonesia Celebrates Diversity at Bogor Cap Go Meh

RRI.CO.ID, Bogor - Indonesia showcased its multicultural harmony at the Bogor Street Festival (BSF) Cap Go Meh 2026, a major cultural celebration marking the end of the Lunar New Year. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon attended the three-day event held March 1–3 in Suryakencana, Bogor.

The annual festival, themed “Harmony in Diversity,” has become one of Bogor’s most iconic cultural events. It highlights cross-cultural interaction in the spirit of Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity.

The celebration featured a one-kilometer cultural parade, traditional performances, culinary bazaars, and vibrant lion and dragon dances. Over time, Cap Go Meh in Bogor has evolved into a symbol of cultural acculturation between Chinese-Indonesian traditions and local Sundanese heritage.

In his remarks, Fadli Zon emphasized that the festival reflects Indonesia’s strength in maintaining unity amid diversity. “Cap Go Meh is proof that although we are different, we live in harmony. Differences are not a threat, but what bind us together,” he said.

The minister noted that this year’s celebration took place during rainfall and coincided with the holy month of Ramadan. According to him, the atmosphere demonstrated the maturity and tolerance of the Indonesian people.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi highlighted the unifying power of art during the festival. “Art unites humanity. Through art, we live without caste, with feeling and happiness,” he stated.

Bogor Mayor Dedie A. Rachim described the event as a symbol of solidarity amid global geopolitical uncertainty. “Only through unity can we show that differences mean nothing compared to togetherness,” he said.

Organizers reported that the festival also included social initiatives, such as breaking the fast with 400 orphans and 200 children with disabilities. Around 500 small and medium enterprises participated, generating an estimated economic turnover of Rp700 million to Rp1 billion.

The festival was officially recognized as part of the 2026 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), a strategic national tourism program. By blending tradition, tolerance, and economic empowerment, Bogor Street Festival Cap Go Meh continues to position Indonesia’s cultural diversity as both a source of national identity and soft power.