Menag Values the National Peak of Chinese New Year 2026 as an Event of Cultural Diplomacy, Message of Tolerance Tested Ahead of Ramadan
JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar considers the 2026 National Chinese New Year Festival not just a celebration, but a stage for cultural diplomacy and a real test of tolerance in the public space. He made the statement while attending an event titled Harmony of Nusantara Chinese New Year at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, Saturday (28/2/2026).
The festival featured cultural performances, an acculturation parade, and a folk market that highlighted the variety of Nusantara traditions. Nasaruddin emphasized that Chinese New Year is now part of Indonesia's cultural wealth, not only for the Chinese or Chinese people, but a common space to celebrate diversity.
"This festival shows the commitment of the state in maintaining harmonious relations between the people of the nation," said Nasaruddin as quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Religion.
He said that the values of Chinese New Year such as virtue, harmony, gratitude, and hope are in line with the noble values of the nation - unity, mutual help, and social justice. For Nasaruddin, this celebration is also a mirror: to what extent the community really spreads goodness and maintains social harmony, not just enlivening ceremonies.
This year, he said, the celebration feels more meaningful because it is close to the holy month of Ramadan. This situation is considered to strengthen the spiritual message and togetherness, as well as show that different traditions can go hand in hand in a peaceful atmosphere.
Nasaruddin also assessed the National Chinese New Year Festival as an educational space for young generations to understand and love the culture of Nusantara, as well as reaffirm Indonesia's image as a multi-ethnic nation that remains united. "Hopefully, the Chinese New Year will bring peace, keep us away from conflicts and divisions, and further strengthen unity and social justice," he concluded.
The peak of the 2026 National Chinese New Year Festival was also attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani, DPD Chairman Sultan Bactiar Najamudin, and the ministers of the Red and White Cabinet.