RRI.CO.ID, Bogor -The historic Suryakencana district of Bogor was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of cross-cultural exchange as Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, attended the Bogor Street Festival (BSF) Cap Go Meh 2026. Held from March 1–3, 2026, the festival carried the theme "Harmony in Diversity," serving as a powerful reflection of Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

The event, which marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations, featured a massive 1-kilometer cultural parade, traditional art performances, and the iconic liong (dragon) and barongsai (lion) dances.

This year's celebration was particularly notable as it took place during the rainy season and coincided with the holy month of Ramadhan. Minister Fadli Zon praised the community's maturity in maintaining harmony and tolerance during these overlapping sacred times.

"This Cap Go Meh celebration is proof that Indonesia, despite our differences, lives in harmony. Difference is not a threat, but rather what glues us together," the Minister remarked during his opening speech, as quoted by the ministry's official website.

The festival highlighted the natural acculturation between local Sunda culture, Chinese traditions, and various other ethnic influences that have shaped Bogor’s identity over centuries.

Beyond the festivities, the Bogor Street Festival (BSF) Cap Go Meh 2026 served as a significant driver for the local economy and social welfare. Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Arifin Himawan, reported several key achievements, starting with a substantial Economic Turnover that involved approximately 500 MSME (UMKM) players and generated an estimated Rp700 million to Rp1 billion in economic activity.

The festival also prioritized Social Programs, including a communal Iftar for 400 orphans and 200 children with disabilities, reflecting a deep commitment to community care. Finally, the event’s focus on Inclusivity emphasized cross-ethnic collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of the celebration reached the wider grassroots community and strengthened social bonds.

In a major milestone for the city, the Bogor Street Festival was officially recognized as part of the 125 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026. This strategic program by the Ministry of Tourism identifies Indonesia's most impactful and high-quality cultural events.

During the ceremony, Eni Komiarti from the Ministry of Tourism presented the KEN 2026 Charter to the organizing committee, cementing the festival's status as a top-tier national cultural attraction.

Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, and Bogor Mayor Dedie A. Rachim both emphasized that art and culture are the ultimate tools for breaking social barriers.

“With art we live without caste, with art we live with feeling and happiness. Hopefully, the rain that falls this time becomes a sign of sustenance that will never stop,” Governor Dedi Mulyadi added.

The event concluded with Minister Fadli Zon officially releasing the dragon and lion dance parade, signaling the grand finale of the three-day cultural extravaganza. The Minister expressed his hope that the festival would continue to serve as an inclusive space for cultural dialogue and a motor for culture-based economic growth for generations to come. ***