RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The celebration of Imlek Nusantara 2577 took on a diplomatic dimension as Indonesia and China exchanged the “Fire Horse” mascot, underscoring the role of cultural traditions in fostering international friendship.

The symbolic handover was led by Deputy Minister of Creative Economy and Chair of the National Imlek Committee, Irene Umar, alongside Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta, Wang Siping.

“This is not only about honoring tradition, but also about celebrating friendship. The exchange of the Fire Horse mascot reflects the closeness between Indonesia and China, extending beyond people-to-people ties to mascot-to-mascot bonds,” Irene said in a press statement on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The Fire Horse, representing courage, resilience, and optimism, was exchanged directly between Irene and Wang Siping. The gesture highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations, carried forward through shared cultural symbols.

Wang praised the warm atmosphere of Harmoni Imlek Nusantara, noting its similarity to celebrations in China. He expressed hope that such events would continue to serve as bridges of friendship.

“The spirit here mirrors the essence of Chinese philosophy, maintaining harmony and goodwill among one another,” he remarked.

Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir emphasized that the overlap of Imlek and Ramadan this year illustrates Indonesia’s strength in embracing diversity.

“This is something invaluable. Other countries see it as Indonesia’s power, our ability to turn differences in culture and faith into unity,” he said.

The festival also showcased Indonesian creative talent, including singer Indah Kus, who previously gained recognition in China’s talent competitions. Her performance reflected Indonesia’s growing presence on the global creative stage.

Ultimately, Harmoni Imlek Nusantara was more than a cultural celebration. It was a strategic affirmation that cultural collaboration builds trust and strengthens long-term cooperation between Indonesia and China. ***