JAKARTA - The 2026 National Chinese New Year Festival is a stage for a festive cultural celebration that is full of meaning. The series of events held reached its peak through the "Big Meal with Bobon Santoso" activity at Lapangan Banteng, which successfully recorded a world record from Guinness World Records.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, expressed her appreciation for this achievement. According to him, the Lontong Cap Go Meh dish served is not just food, but a symbol of cultural unity and a manifestation of inclusive culinary creativity.
"This big meal activity gives the opportunity for MSMEs, content creators, and local communities to showcase innovation while maintaining culinary traditions that are part of Indonesia's creative economy," Irene said in an official statement in Jakarta, Sunday.
He also added that this year's celebration felt special because it coincided with Ramadan. "Because the Chinese New Year celebration coincides with Ramadan, the dishes in the form of Cap Go Meh noodles are a symbol of Chinese culinary acculturation and Indonesian Ramadan traditions," he continued.
During the activity, as many as 5,054 servings of Cap Go Meh noodles were served to the public. This number brought the event to break the world record for the category of the most servings of Cap Go Meh noodles in eight hours.
Thousands of residents from various backgrounds attended and enjoyed the typical Cap Go Meh dishes. The public's enthusiasm reflects the spirit of togetherness that is the core of the celebration.
"This big meal is not only about enjoying the dishes, but also becoming a momentum to share, interact, and celebrate the richness of culinary and Cap Go Meh traditions," said Irene.
Through this activity, "Eating Big Together with Bobon Santoso" shows that traditional Indonesian cuisine has a wider role than just taste. It is a symbol of unity, a space for creative expression, and a new growth engine for the national creative economy ecosystem.
The spirit of mutual cooperation, togetherness, and appreciation for cultural heritage is evident in public participation. This confirms that the creative economy is based on creativity, culture, and the involvement of the wider community - not just on large-scale industries alone.
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