Jakarta, 24 February, 2026 — Harmoni Imlek Nusantara 2577 was marked by a special procession featuring the exchange of the Fire Horse mascot between Indonesia and China. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy / Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, who also serves as Chairperson of the National Chinese New Year 2577 Committee, Irene Umar, emphasized that the momentum further strengthened Indonesia–China creative diplomacy.
The exchange of the Fire Horse mascot took place between Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar and Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of China in Jakarta, Wang Siping, as part of the National Chinese New Year Festival 2026 at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, Monday (02/23/2026).
“We are not only celebrating tradition, but also celebrating friendship. The exchange of the Fire Horse mascot symbolizes the closeness between Indonesia and China—not only people to people, but also mascot to mascot,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The Fire Horse mascot exchange was carried out directly between Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene and Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of China in Jakarta, Wang Siping, symbolizing spirit, courage, resilience, and optimism in the Year of the Fire Horse 2577, as well as representing the enduring friendship between Indonesia and China. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene emphasized that cross-cultural harmony in Chinese New Year celebrations held in public spaces reflects Indonesia’s strength in nurturing diversity while expanding cross-sector and international collaboration.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Wang Siping expressed his appreciation for the implementation of Harmoni Imlek Nusantara, which created a warm and harmonious atmosphere. He noted that the celebration closely resembles Chinese New Year festivities in China and expressed hope that the event will continue as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.
“This atmosphere is very similar to Chinese New Year celebrations in China. It also reflects the same core philosophy of maintaining harmony and goodwill among one another,” said Wang Siping.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Arrmanatha Nasir stated that the Chinese New Year celebration coinciding with Ramadan reflects intercultural and interfaith harmony as a strength of Indonesia that reinforces bilateral relations between the two countries.
“This is something very valuable. Other countries see this as Indonesia’s strength. This is where Indonesia is appreciated—where differences in culture and belief become the very strength of the nation,” he said.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Harmoni Imlek Nusantara also featured artistic performances and the involvement of Indonesian talents, including singer Indah Kus, who previously advanced in a talent search competition in China, reflecting Indonesia’s significant creative potential on the global stage.
This momentum reaffirms that cultural collaboration is not merely ceremonial, but a strategic foundation for building trust and strengthening sustainable Indonesia–China cooperation.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Also witnessing the mascot exchange procession were Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, who also serves as Vice Chairperson of the National Chinese New Year Committee, Veronica Tan, as well as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
