JAKARTA - Entering February, the faces of shopping centers in Jakarta are starting to get dressed up. For residents of the capital who are looking for a fresh atmosphere to spend time with their families, this year's Chinese New Year celebrations offer more than just a row of discounts, but rather a cultural experience spread across various strategic points.
Lippo Malls Indonesia (LMI), for example, carries the theme "A Season of Prosperity" which runs until the end of February 2026. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, several malls such as Lippo Mall Kemang, Senayan Park, to Gajah Mada Plaza, have been transformed into public spaces that are thick with oriental aesthetics. The dominance of red and Mei flower decorations is not only a seasonal decoration, but also creates an interesting visual background for people who want to capture moments of togetherness on social media.
Cultural Acculturation in the Modern Space
For show enthusiasts, the Barongsai attraction remains the main magnet. However, there is a different technical touch this year. At some points such as Lippo Mall Nusantara and Lippo Mall Kemang, visitors can watch the Tonggak Barongsai - a performance that requires high-level coordination and physical strength - which is now rarely found in ordinary public spaces.
Not only that, several locations such as Gajah Mada Plaza Jakarta also present more specific art performances, such as Chinese Drum beats, puppet shows (puppet shows), to the sound of Guzheng music that brings the traditional Chinese feel to the middle of the mall's modernity.
Family and Culinary Expression Room
For families who bring children, the educational aspect is an added value. Instead of just shopping, children are invited to interact through a lantern making workshop and a Barongsai costume competition. These activities are available at several locations on the outskirts of Jakarta such as Cibubur Junction and Bogor area, providing options for residents who want to avoid downtown traffic jams.
Complementing the shopping experience, the presence of a typical Chinese New Year food bazaar is an important point. Visitors can find traditional snacks to celebration needs in one area, making it a practical destination but still feels "alive".
The Commitment of the Common Space
Santiwati Basuki, Chief Marketing Officer of PT Lippo Malls Indonesia, explained that the focus of this year's celebration is to create a warm space for togetherness. "We want to present an experience that is not only festive, but also meaningful. This is our commitment to making it an inclusive cultural celebration space for the community," he said.
With a variety of attractions ranging from Cheongsam fashion shows to Cici-Koko parades, Jakarta seems to offer a complete package of instant cultural tourism that is easily accessible by anyone at the beginning of this year.
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