Fadli Zon: Cap Go Meh 2026 Strengthen Bogor's Identity as a Tolerant City

BOGOR - The Bogor Street Festival (BSF) Cap Go Meh (CGM) 2026 is considered a tangible proof of harmony in the midst of community diversity. This was conveyed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon when attending the celebration on Jalan Surya Kencana, Tuesday, March 3.

According to Fadli, differences are not a threat, but rather a glue that strengthens community life. He assessed that CGM reflects the acculturation of cultures that have long grown in Indonesia.

"God willing, this CGM Bogor Street Festival will be an important moment that shows cultural acculturation between local culture and people from various backgrounds, such as Chinese, Middle East, India, and the West, as well as from various regions. We are a community that always accepts differences and acculturation in the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika and harmony in diversity," he said.

He hopes that this spirit will further strengthen Bogor City as part of the Indonesian nation, advancing culture, as well as encouraging economic growth towards a prosperous, just, and prosperous society.

"Congratulations to the Mayor, the committee, and all the ranks. Hopefully this CGM will be a moment that continues to unite diversity," said Fadli.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi in his remarks praised Bogor City as a plural city, a cultural city, and a city with a long history of Pajajaran.

"Hopefully this festival will reflect our spirit that art brings people together. With art, we can live without castes. With art, we live with a sense, and art can bring happiness," he said.

Dedi hopes that in addition to BSF CGM, the same year can also hold the Pajajaran Carnival so that more cultural agendas that strengthen the identity of Bogor City as the historical center of the Pajajaran Kingdom.

Dedi's presence at the event location was greeted with enthusiasm by the public who crowded the Surya Kencana area to watch the cultural parade.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya assessed that the strength of Bogor City has always been in the collaboration between the government, community, and society. This year, according to him, there is an additional dimension that makes the celebration more special.

"If for years Bogor is special because of its collaboration, this year is a little different. Not only its collaboration, but also its tolerance, because it coincides with Ramadan," said Bima.

Bogor Mayor Dedie A. Rachim expressed gratitude that the Cap Go Meh tradition has been held for 24 years. He called this consistency as a manifestation of the community's commitment to maintaining the values of tolerance and diversity.

Dedie hopes that activities that are full of cultural values will continue to be maintained to strengthen Bogor's identity as a tolerant and respectful city. He also mentioned that the celebration of Cap Go Meh will coincide with Ramadan in the next two years.

"God willing, in the next two years, it will also take place in the atmosphere of Ramadan and Imlek or Cap Go Meh at the same time," he said.